The utilisation of artificial intelligence for reporting at Hoodline raises questions about credibility, transparency, and the future of journalism, amidst concerns over ethical implications and quality standards in the media industry.
Hoodline: AI-Generated Reporting in Local News
Hoodline, a local news outlet founded in San Francisco in 2014, is drawing attention for its use of AI-generated content. Initially established to report on local events and issues, Hoodline has expanded into a national network covering major U.S. cities. However, beginning last year, the site started using artificial intelligence to produce articles, marking a significant shift from its original human-led reporting model.
The AI-written articles are published under human-like names with a small “AI” badge for transparency. Initially, these bylines also featured AI-generated headshots and biographies, but these have since been removed following scrutiny and criticism.
Zachary Chen, CEO of Impress3, Hoodline’s parent company, defends this approach, highlighting their transparency and the outlet’s commitment to hiring more human journalists in the future. Chen claims the AI-generated content helps cover overlooked areas, ensuring consistent reporting in “news deserts.”
Nevertheless, media experts caution against relying heavily on AI in journalism. They argue that it might erode credibility and contribute to misinformation. Instances with other media outlets, like CNET and Gannett, have shown the pitfalls of AI-generated news, including factual errors and public backlash.
Critics also point to potential legal issues, as organizations like News/Media Alliance argue that AI content closely mimics human-written articles without proper compensation, potentially infringing on copyright laws. Felix Simon from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism adds that AI-generated content tends to be less trusted by the public.
Despite these challenges, Hoodline continues to utilize AI, claiming it has significantly increased their readership. The company plans to enhance their AI usage further, exploring future possibilities like AI news anchors.
While the efficiency of AI in news production is undeniable, the debate over its ethical implications and impact on the quality of journalism continues. The transformation at Hoodline serves as a significant case study in the balance between technology and traditional journalism practices.
