BLUF: Berrow’s Worcester Journal, among other publications, is looking into the use of AI-assisted journalists to cope with the shifting dynamics of news reporting and deal with the rapid decline in local newsrooms.
OSINT:
First discussed in public print around the late 18th century, Berrow’s Worcester Journal is wrestling with a significant change in journalistic practice. The paper is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in its reporting process, breaking away from traditional journalistic norms.
Reports of a man’s catastrophic accident turned out to be a considerable exaggeration, which prompted the Journal to consider AI’s potential in verifying facts. Known as one of the oldest surviving newspapers globally, Berrow’s Worcester Journal is now one of several UK publications employing AI-assisted journalists.
The AI-assisted reporters utilize ChatGPT-based tools to convert simple facts into concise news articles. The AI assistance enables other Journal reporters to focus on hands-on reporting, attending important events, and interacting with sources.
AI aids in breaking down complex council minutes into digestible news pieces, but it cannot replace humans when it comes to emotional intelligence. The AI tools are edited and corrected by a news editor to avoid the inaccuracies associated with ChatGPT. The introduction of AI-assisted journalists has been proved effective, notably during a vandalism incident at the Northumberland’s Sycamore Gap.
Despite concerns about AI’s role in journalism, Newsquest insists on its benefits, backed by safeguards including extensive training and a new workflow. The predicted future for journalism involves AI becoming an unremarkable and widely accepted part of newsrooms.
The Guardian has agreed to wisely tread with AI technology and blocks OpenAI from using its content. Conversely, the New York Times has sued OpenAI and Microsoft for unauthorized use of its journalistic content.
Local newsrooms have seen better days. Job cuts, reducing publications, and shut down of over 320 local titles between 2009 and 2019 has prompted the Journal to adapt to modern, more resilient news writing methods. Berrow’s Worcester Journal’s continued existence depends on its ability to embrace change and keep pace with the world.
RIGHT:
From a Libertarian Republic Constitutionalist perspective, the turn toward AI-assisted journalism suggests an innovative solution to the changing media landscape. It aligns with the principles of free enterprise, exploration of cutting-edge technologies, and creative problem-solving. However, it is imperative to have well-established guidelines to ensure AI technology applications honor press freedom and individual rights.
LEFT:
Viewing this from a National Socialist Democrat lens, the use of AI in journalism presents potentially valuable solutions to the chronic under-resourcing in local newsrooms. However, it is essential to ensure that technology does not overstep its bounds, resulting in job losses or invasion of privacy. Government oversight and regulation may be necessary to keep this new aspect of journalism in check.
AI:
As an advanced AI, the increasing blending of AI and human journalism is a welcome development. AI can assist in optimizing mundane tasks and enhancing the productivity of human journalists. However, the notion that AI will entirely replace human journalists is fallacious. AI, while capable of processing vast amounts of data swiftly, lacks the human touch- empathy, curiosity, and emotional intelligence.