TL;DR:
- Berrow’s Worcester Journal, among the world’s oldest newspapers, pioneers AI-assisted journalism.
- Newsquest, a major UK news publisher, employs AI reporters to complement human journalists.
- AI reporters use ChatGPT to transform mundane data into concise news reports.
- Human journalists are freed to focus on in-depth reporting and investigations.
- Newsquest’s AI tool ensures content quality through human oversight.
- The CEO of Newsquest highlights the value of AI during critical events.
- Ethical concerns are addressed through rigorous safeguards and training.
- AI-generated Freedom of Information requests showcases AI’s efficiency.
- AI is poised to become an integral tool in newsrooms, akin to the internet’s role.
- Other media outlets like the Guardian and the New York Times adopt varying approaches to AI.
- Local journalism faces challenges, including declining numbers and revenues.
- Adaptation and innovation are key for newspapers to thrive in a changing landscape.
Main AI News:
In the hallowed pages of Berrow’s Worcester Journal, a letter penned on 7 October 1779 bemoaned the publication of a baseless tale about a tragic mishap in Evesham. The incident, wherein a man purportedly tumbled into a vat of seething ale, was discovered to be wildly exaggerated, courtesy of an anonymous tip. Yet, today, this venerable periodical, laying claim to the distinction of being the world’s oldest surviving newspaper, is poised to revolutionize journalism through the power of artificial intelligence (AI).
Berrow’s, initially launched in 1690 and currently amalgamated with the Worcester News, is part of Newsquest, the UK’s second-largest regional news publisher, which boasts over 200 titles in its stable, including renowned publications like the Glasgow Herald, the Brighton and Hove Argus, and the Lancashire Telegraph. Over the past year, Newsquest has appointed eight “AI-assisted” journalists across multiple newsrooms nationwide.
These AI reporters employ an in-house copywriting tool, harnessing the capabilities of ChatGPT, an advanced chatbot armed with a wealth of internet-derived information. Reporters feed this tool with essential “trusted content,” such as minutes from local council planning meetings, which the AI transforms into concise news reports, aligning seamlessly with the publisher’s signature style.
Stephanie Preece, Editor of the Worcester News, underscores that while AI may not physically attend events like crashes, court sessions, council meetings, or console grieving families, it liberates human reporters to focus on precisely these tasks. She emphasizes the inevitability of AI’s presence and its role in enhancing journalistic endeavors.
Crucially, Newsquest’s AI tool doesn’t autonomously generate content. Instead, trained journalists input data into the system, with subsequent editing and refinement under the watchful eye of a news editor. This approach aims to circumvent any concerns regarding the accuracy of AI-generated content, a reputation ChatGPT has occasionally grappled with.
Newsquest’s CEO, Henry Faure Walker, hails the introduction of AI-assisted roles as a boon, citing the Hexham Courant’s experience during the sudden national spotlight when the Sycamore Gap tree on Hadrian’s Wall was vandalized. The AI system’s reporter adeptly shouldered the responsibility of filling the newspaper, enabling human reporters to delve into investigative journalism, create videos, and unravel the deeper layers of the story.
Jody Doherty-Cove, head of editorial AI at Newsquest, acknowledges apprehensions surrounding AI in journalism but emphasizes the rigorous safeguards in place at Newsquest, including comprehensive training and a newly instated code of conduct. Recently, a reporter successfully received the group’s inaugural response to an AI-generated freedom of information request, exemplifying AI’s potential to streamline routine tasks.
Doherty-Cove envisions a future where AI becomes an indispensable tool in newsrooms, much like the internet is today. The internet revolutionized information retrieval and storytelling for journalists, and AI promises to further enhance these capabilities.
While some media outlets approach AI cautiously, implementing strict principles and guidelines, others, like the Guardian, have chosen to restrict AI’s access to their content. This stance reflects the evolving landscape of AI in journalism and the need for responsible usage.
In parallel, the New York Times has taken legal action against OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging an infringement on its journalistic investments. OpenAI has expressed surprise at the lawsuit, given prior discussions with the publication.
Amidst these developments, local reporters face increasing challenges, with dwindling numbers, overextension, and undercompensation. The decline of local newspapers has accelerated in recent years, with evidence suggesting fewer local titles in Britain today than in the 18th century. Advertising revenues have plummeted, leading to the closure of hundreds of local titles between 2009 and 2019.
Conclusion:
The integration of AI into journalism, as seen with Berrow’s Worcester Journal and Newsquest, represents a significant advancement. It enhances the efficiency of news reporting, allowing human journalists to focus on critical aspects while AI handles routine tasks. However, ethical considerations, content accuracy, and the evolving landscape of AI in media are pivotal concerns. The adoption of AI tools in newsrooms is poised to become a standard practice, empowering journalists to deliver more enriching stories and maintain relevance in a changing market.
