AI and current journalism standards

[TrooperBari]

 

[tapintoamerica]

Here's how I'm using AI to write "some" stories in my PR/comms job:

1) Feed ChatGPT full interview transcripts and important details for the story
2) Prompt it to write a story outline (it usually provides a few options)
3) Prompt it to use the outline I like to write a story for my particular audience using AP style
4) Ask it to change the output as needed.
5) Take the output and make (usually minor) tweaks and changes as needed
6) Take those changes and feed it back into ChatGPT and ask it to edit for AP style and clarity
7) Tweak as need again and it's good to go.

With AI audio transcription and writing help, a 2-3 hour process is now 30-40 minutes.

Is this wrong?

If you see the output of an AI-generated story and you think it’s better than you could do, consider another line of work.

 

[FileNotFound]

Semafor reports that Mediaite's "newsletter of newsletters" is riddled with AI-generated errors.

Writer of media newsletter recapping media newsletters suspended after errors

 

[TrooperBari]

I regret to inform the board that the AI brain worms have fully colonized McClatchy management. Behold, the "content scaling agent":

 

[Inky_Wretch]

 

[BYH 2: Electric Boogaloo]

You can't criticize the New York Times! They have games and recipes!!!!

 

[MNgremlin]

I'll be honest, I have used AI to help whip through boring city council and school board stories over the past few months. But I always be sure to go back and check, especially on any quotes. AI churns out quotes on probably a 30% accuracy rate at best. Sure it gets out the gist of what is said, but it doesn't report exactly what is said.

 

[DanOregon]

I regret to inform the board that the AI brain worms have fully colonized McClatchy management. Behold, the "content scaling agent":

I mean, if they need more stories, why not hire more journalists? But then again, now that McClatchy is in bed with the National Enquirer, not a shock.