As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly permeates various sectors, its applications in local newsrooms are also evolving. This report explores how AI is being utilized — and, just as critically, how it isn’t — in local news organizations, particularly those in New Hampshire, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity.
AI in Local Newsrooms: A Boon or a Risk?
Local newsrooms are beginning to leverage AI tools to enhance their reporting efforts, viewing them as helpful allies rather than replacements for human journalists. While the technology promises efficiency, many newsrooms are approaching its adoption with a cautious mindset, implementing clear guidelines to mitigate risks associated with AI, particularly generative AI.
Common Uses of AI in Newsrooms
A growing number of journalists across the country are utilizing AI tools for a variety of tasks, with notable examples including:
Transcription of Interviews: Tools like Otter.ai assist journalists by transcribing interviews or conversations, saving substantial time that can be redirected toward more critical aspects of the reporting process.
Monitoring Public Meetings: AI applications can efficiently track and summarize local government meetings that journalists may not physically attend, aiding in the identification of story angles and potential sources.
Enhancing SEO and Content Management: AI suggestions for effective URLs can help content rank higher in search results. This service can facilitate better visibility for articles.
- Data Extraction: AI is also used to transform large volumes of public records into searchable formats, making critical data more accessible for reporting.
Cautionary Tales: The Risks of AI Usage
However, the relationship between journalism and AI is fraught with complications. High-profile missteps illustrate the dangers of relying too heavily on AI systems. For instance, the Chicago Sun-Times and the Philadelphia Inquirer faced backlash earlier this year when they published a summer reading list comprising fictitious books generated through AI without adequate fact-checking. The incident underscored that while AI can be an innovative tool, it lacks the contextual understanding and ethical judgment that only human journalists possess.
Human Oversight: An Essential Component
The consensus among local newsrooms is clear: human oversight is not just recommended; it is a necessity. “If you use AI, you have to have a human in the loop,” advises Jonathan Van Fleet, editor of the Concord Monitor. This principle reinforces that AI should support, not replace, the essential elements of journalistic work.
As Julie Hirshan Hart, editor of The Laconia Daily Sun, emphasizes, there are no formal policies pertaining to AI yet, but discussions are ongoing. One unequivocal agreement within her team is the rejection of AI for writing news articles. “There’s no copy-paste,” she states, affirming the importance of thorough inspection and vetting of any AI-generated material before it goes to publication.
The Role of AI as a Tool
Both Hirshan Hart and Van Fleet consent on the primary role of AI being that of an auxiliary resource. It is viewed as an asset in brainstorming, refining headlines, and organizing tasks. Hirshan Hart notes that while AI tools can automate mundane responsibilities—like formatting police logs—they can never replace the intuition and unique voice that human journalists bring to their work.
Echoing this sentiment, Van Fleet remarks on the importance of transparency in editorial processes involving AI. The Concord Monitor has established an AI policy published on their website, mandating clear communication regarding the use of AI in the reporting process. As outlined in their policy, any information generated by AI must undergo rigorous vetting by a reporter or editor prior to publication.
Building Trust with Transparency
With the rising prevalence of AI-generated content, it’s vital for news organizations to maintain visibility and trustworthiness. Readers increasingly wonder about the credibility of the information they consume, especially with the possibility of encountering deceptively produced content. Clear communication and transparency about how AI is used ensures that audiences can differentiate between human-generated and AI-enhanced material.
Van Fleet emphasizes an essential assurance: "We are not generating fake articles. We are not having a robot cover the news of your community." This statement is a commitment that the human touch in journalism remains irreplaceable.
Conclusion
AI’s role in local journalism is evolving, creating exciting opportunities for efficiency and innovation while simultaneously necessitating careful consideration and governance. As local newsrooms like the Concord Monitor and The Laconia Daily Sun illustrate, the emphasis should remain on harnessing AI as a tool to augment human capabilities rather than supplant them.
The intricate balance between adopting new technologies and sustaining journalistic integrity is critical. By ensuring that every AI-generated idea, headline, or summarized record undergoes human scrutiny, these newsrooms are setting a benchmark for responsible AI utilization in journalism.
As the landscape of local news continues to shift, the ongoing dialogue around AI will play a pivotal role in shaping ethical practices in news reporting. In this way, AI becomes not just an instrument of efficiency, but a partner in the ongoing commitment to responsible and authentic local journalism.
