AI has the potential to revolutionize journalism and the way the industry works, just like it has transformed many other aspects of life.ChatGPT, the shiny new AI chatbot, has been tested in the field to do the job of a journalist, but so far it has proven inadequate to take over. In response, many media outlets have advertised solutions that use algorithms and AI tools to generate content.
CNET, a technology news site, was one of the first to experiment with AI for journalism by introducing its AI program last year. Unfortunate it had to address several corrections due to errors attributed to the AI program. Yet, despite this, Axel Springer, owner of Politico and German tabloid Bild, believes that AI can bring independent journalism to the next level or completely replace it. He announced a restructuring plan to make significant cuts in production and proofreading that justify the use of AI.
There is no doubt AI is already making its way into journalism. Although its importance is growing, AI is mainly used to optimize content for the web, helping media outlets to better target the content and advertising. It can also help with routine work like searching for patterns in data. It is also helpful when it comes to mundane tasks like reporting on company results.
However, some analysts like Mike Wooldridge of Oxford University consider ChatGPT a glorified word processor and don’t see it as a threat to journalists yet. Recently, French journalists Jean Rognetta and Maurice de Rambuteau have tested AI’s capabilities by publishing a newsletter where they used AI tools. Their findings showed that the AI wasn’t user to identify the CES tech show’s top trends and summarize it properly. This goes to show that robots still can’t take over a real journalist’s task yet.
Mathias Doepfner, the boss of Axel Springer, acknowledges the potential of AI and believes its use might lead to job cuts in production and proofreading. Yet, he believes it will make independent journalism even better.
Ultimately, journalists must keep learning and embracing the new technology. To stay ahead of the competition and survive in the upcoming years, journalists must become AI masters. This new era asks for an individuality and skill that go beyond the need for robots.
