As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the news industry, journalists at the investigative outlet ProPublica have pledged to strike if contract negotiations fail to address AI concerns. This potential job action is believed to be the first in the news business where disputes over AI governance are the primary sticking point, signaling a pivotal moment for media ethics and employment.
The Growing Complexity of AI in Journalism
Like many economic sectors, the news industry is accelerating toward a future dominated by AI, grappling with critical questions about technology usage, consumer transparency, and support for journalists potentially displaced by automation. These issues were forefront as ProPublica reporters walked picket lines earlier this month, inching toward a strike that few expect will be the last of its kind.
Benefits and Pitfalls of AI Integration
AI has undeniably aided journalists by simplifying complex tasks and saving time, particularly in data-driven stories. News organizations utilize AI to sift through extensive files like the Epstein documents, suggest headlines, summarize content, and transcribe interviews, with even basic Google searches now frequently involving AI. However, the rush to adopt AI in a financially troubled industry has led to notable errors.
Within the past year, Bloomberg issued corrections for mistakes in AI-generated news summaries, while Business Insider and Wired removed articles by a fake author named Margaux Blanchard. The Los Angeles Times faced issues with AI in opinion pieces, and Ars Technica admitted to AI fabricating quotes, despite its own reporting on the risks of overreliance on such tools.
ProPublica's Contract Dispute and Industry Implications
The ProPublica dispute is significant for addressing debates common across the industry. The union representing ProPublica's journalists, negotiating its first contract with the outlet, seeks commitments on AI disclosure and human involvement, mirroring demands elsewhere. Jen Sheehan, spokeswoman for the New York Guild, stated that union members overwhelmingly pledged willingness to strike without a satisfactory agreement.
Alex Mahadevan, an expert at the Poynter Institute, remarked, "It feels to me pretty monumental when we think about the trajectory of AI and journalism." ProPublica has rejected these requests, with company spokesman Tyson Evans explaining that the outlet is exploring how technology can create more space for investigative reporting, rather than making promises that could become outdated.
Reluctance and Regulation in Newsrooms
Jon Schleuss, president of NewsGuild-USA, noted that 57 of 283 contracts at U.S. news organizations contain AI-related language, with The Associated Press being an early adopter in 2023. He advocates for more such provisions, but progress is hindered by many outlets' reluctance to commit. Trusting News estimates that less than half of U.S. outlets have public AI policies.
Schleuss criticized this trend, saying, "I think it is becoming harder because too many newsrooms are being run by the greedy side of the organization and not by the journalism side." The guild pushes for contracts ensuring AI won't eliminate jobs and that humans are involved in AI use to prevent errors and build reader trust.
Divergent Views on AI's Role in Journalism
Not all in journalism agree on AI's impact. Chris Quinn, editor of The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, Ohio, expressed disgust at a recent college graduate who declined a job offer due to beliefs that AI harms journalism. His newspaper uses AI to write stories based on human-gathered information, with editing done by journalists, though this strips reporters of judgment in storytelling. Quinn defended this as optimal use of limited resources.
Public Attitudes and Legislative Efforts
Research by Benjamin Toff, director of the Minnesota Journalism Center, shows that most American consumers believe it's very important for newsrooms to disclose AI use in writing or editing, but such disclosure reduces trust. A significant minority, 30% in a study, opposes any AI use in journalism.
Mahadevan points out that disclosure is complex, as AI is used throughout the newsgathering process, and broad declarations may disserve readers. In response, two New York state lawmakers introduced legislation requiring clear disclaimers for AI in published content, though its passage is uncertain.
The Future of Newsrooms and AI
Mahadevan believes policies requiring human involvement, like editing to prevent errors, are fair but open to interpretation. He predicts, "Speaking realistically, the newsroom of the future is going to look completely different than it does today. Which means people will lose jobs. There will be new jobs. So I think it's important that we are having these conversations right now because audiences do not want a newsroom completely taken over by AI."
This ongoing debate underscores the urgent need for balanced AI integration in journalism, balancing innovation with ethical standards and job security.
