AI is already writing articles!

Reach, the publisher of the Daily Mirror, has teamed up with OpenAI's ChatGPT language processing technology to automate the creation of some of its content, using the Express Star newspaper as a test project. Reach intends to use AI to create local news stories and sports reports so that journalists may focus on more challenging issues. As many experts in the industry have voiced worry that automated news writing may lead to a loss in journalistic quality and risk for jobs, the decision is certain to ignite discussion.

The partnership is predicted to use pre-written templates for news and sports broadcasts, which the AI technology will then update with pertinent material, according to an article by Daniel O'Boyle for the Evening Standard dated March 2023. As a result, journalists may prioritize more in-depth or investigative work while still making sure that crucial news is reported. The partnership is "not about cost-cutting; it's about doing journalism in a different way," according to Reach CEO Jim Mullen.

While some commentators have expressed concerns about using artificial intelligence in journalism, others believe it might have a significant beneficial effect. AI-powered news writing may enable news organizations to cover a larger range of subjects and provide more frequent updates, which would make it easier for readers to keep up with breaking news. AI algorithms may lessen the chance of prejudice because they are designed to be impartial.

Others, however, warn that if AI-generated news articles lack the human touch, the quality of journalism may deteriorate. AI critics  are also concerned that the use of AI may lead to the mechanization of whole newsrooms, which would result in the loss of many workplaces for journalists and other media members.

Notwithstanding these concerns, a number of news companies already publish material using AI technology. For example, since 2015, the Washington Post has used AI to create stories on topics like politics and economics. Since 2015, The Associated Press has employed AI to produce sports reports. The UK's Press Association has been experimenting with news articles created by AI since 2017.

It is clear that AI technology is fundamentally altering how news is produced and consumed. While using AI in journalism has certain dangers, it also offers great potential for success. As the media landscape changes, it will be essential to strike a balance between the use of AI and the maintenance of high standards of journalistic quality and integrity.