In the rapidly evolving landscape of journalism, the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a significant catalyst. Researchers delved into the AI policies and guidelines of 52 diverse news organizations worldwide to unravel the dynamics shaping this transformative wave.
Just over a year ago, only a handful of newsrooms had formal guidelines on the use of AI by journalists and editors. However, a paradigm shift has occurred, with influential global news outlets, including USA Today, The Atlantic, National Public Radio, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and the Financial Times, now having established formal documents addressing AI use.
The advent of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in July 2022 marked a turning point, empowering journalists with a chatbot capable of generating diverse content, from code snippets to news-style stories. This research initiative, conducted by an AI research firm, offers an in-depth examination of the AI policies and guidelines adopted by news organizations, shedding light on the global response to AI’s influence.
The study, posted on the preprint server SocArXiv in September 2023, represents a pioneering effort to understand how newsrooms worldwide are grappling with the expanding capabilities of AI-based platforms. Although not formally peer-reviewed, the paper is currently under review by a prominent international journal, adding credibility to its insights.
Covering 52 news organizations across Brazil, India, North America, Scandinavia, and Western Europe, the research reveals intriguing trends in AI policies. Notably, commercial news entities exhibit more nuanced and detailed guidelines compared to publicly funded counterparts, with a heightened emphasis on source protection.
The findings underscore a shared commitment to preserving journalistic values in the face of AI integration. As AI chatbots, fueled by large language models, become integral to news creation, newsrooms are navigating the delicate balance between innovation and maintaining journalistic credibility.
Key insights from the research include:
Focus on Journalistic Values: Over 71% of the analyzed documents mention core journalistic values such as public service, objectivity, autonomy, immediacy, and ethics, showcasing a commitment to upholding fundamental principles amid AI adoption.
Target Audience: Almost 70% of the AI documents are tailored for editorial staff, highlighting the relevance of these guidelines to journalists directly involved in content creation. A significant portion extends their applicability to the entire organization, encompassing business aspects where AI may be utilized for advertising or hiring purposes.
Awareness of Pitfalls: Nearly 69% of the documents acknowledge AI pitfalls, including the potential for “hallucinations” where AI systems generate fabricated facts. This recognition reflects a proactive approach to mitigate risks associated with AI-generated content.
Source Protection: Approximately 54% of the documents caution journalists to safeguard sources when using AI. Commercial entities, in particular, underscore the importance of caution when dealing with confidential or background information, possibly due to the legal risks associated with source exposure.
Updating Guidelines: About 63% of the documents specify plans for future updates, indicating a recognition of the evolving nature of AI and the need for continuous adaptation to emerging challenges and opportunities.
Content Alteration Permissions: While 44% allow journalists to use AI for gathering information and developing story ideas, 42% permit AI for altering editorial content. Strikingly, only 8% specify how these policies will be enforced, raising questions about accountability mechanisms.
The research, while providing valuable insights into the current state of AI policies, acknowledges the ongoing evolution of AI guidelines. As newsrooms grapple with the integration of AI into their workflows, the study calls for a cautious yet proactive approach, urging journalists and media organizations to engage with these transformative tools while upholding journalistic integrity.
