On Wednesday, a Google spokesperson revealed that the tech giant is currently exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist journalists in writing news articles. The spokesperson stated that Google is in discussions with several news organisations, including the Washington Post, News Corp (Wall Street Journal owner), and the New York Times, among others.
The proposed AI tools aim to offer journalists various options for headlines and writing styles, ultimately enhancing their productivity and work process. However, Google emphasised that these tools are not designed to replace the crucial role journalists play in reporting, creating, and fact-checking their articles.
Despite Google’s intention to aid journalists, some industry executives who saw the pitch reportedly found it unsettling. The AI tool, internally known as “Genesis,” raised concerns among certain executives who wished to remain anonymous, according to the New York Times.
In response to the report, News Corp declined to comment specifically on the AI tool but expressed its positive relationship with Google and appreciation for CEO Sundar Pichai’s commitment to journalism.
Neither the New York Times nor the Washington Post immediately responded to requests for comments on the matter.
This development follows the recent announcement that the Associated Press (AP) is partnering with OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, to explore the use of generative AI in news articles. The collaboration sets a precedent for potential future partnerships between tech companies and news organisations.
While some media outlets are already utilising generative AI for content creation, news publications have been cautious about adopting the technology due to concerns about its tendency to generate factually incorrect information and challenges in distinguishing between human-authored content and computer-generated output. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, the industry faces ongoing discussions about striking the right balance between human journalism and AI-powered assistance.
