AI-Generated Articles Uncovered at Wyoming Newspaper, Raising Concerns About Journalism Ethics and the Future of News
A small-town newspaper in Wyoming found itself at the center of a national debate about the role of artificial intelligence in journalism after a reporter was discovered using AI to generate news stories. The Cody Enterprise, a paper co-founded by Buffalo Bill Cody in 1899, issued an apology after its editor admitted to failing to catch AI-generated copy and fabricated quotes in articles written by a recently hired reporter, Aaron Pelczar. The incident, initially uncovered by a reporter from a rival newspaper, has ignited discussions about the ethical implications of using AI in news reporting and the potential for widespread misinformation.
The unfolding scandal began when CJ Baker, a seasoned reporter at the Powell Tribune, noticed inconsistencies in several articles published by the Cody Enterprise. Baker, with over 15 years of experience, was initially tipped off by unusual phrasing and seemingly robotic quotes attributed to local officials, including Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon. The most glaring clue, however, was a peculiar ending to an article about comedian Larry the Cable Guy being selected as a local parade’s grand marshal. The article concluded with an explanation of the inverted pyramid style of news writing, a jarring and out-of-place addition that raised Baker’s suspicions about the article’s origin.
Baker’s investigation led him to Pelczar, who, according to Baker, admitted to using AI to assist in writing his articles. The revelation prompted swift action from the Cody Enterprise. Editor Chris Bacon publicly apologized for the lapse in editorial oversight and pledged to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Bacon acknowledged the seriousness of the breach, particularly the inclusion of fabricated quotes, stating that AI had been “allowed to put words that were never spoken into stories.” The Enterprise subsequently identified seven articles containing AI-generated quotes attributed to six different individuals, highlighting the extent of Pelczar’s reliance on AI.
The incident at the Cody Enterprise underscores the broader ethical challenges facing the journalism industry in the age of readily available AI tools. While AI has legitimate uses in journalism, including automating routine tasks and assisting with data analysis, the use of generative AI to create publishable content raises serious concerns about accuracy, transparency, and the potential for manipulation. The ability of AI chatbots to generate plausible-sounding but entirely fabricated content poses a significant threat to the credibility of news organizations and the public’s trust in journalism.
The Cody Enterprise case echoes previous instances where AI-generated content has caused controversy in the media. Sports Illustrated, for example, faced criticism for publishing AI-generated product reviews attributed to non-existent reporters. The incident damaged SI’s reputation and highlighted the importance of transparency in disclosing the use of AI in content creation. The Associated Press, a leader in utilizing AI in journalism, maintains strict guidelines regarding the use of generative AI. AP reporters are generally prohibited from using AI to create publishable content, and the news organization clearly labels any material generated with AI assistance, ensuring transparency with its readers.
The fallout from the Cody Enterprise incident continues to unfold. The involved parties have offered varying accounts of the events. Pelczar, who has since resigned, reportedly expressed remorse and insisted his actions were unintentional. Bacon, the editor, has initiated a comprehensive review of Pelczar’s work to identify all affected articles and notify the individuals misrepresented. The Enterprise has also committed to developing a formal AI policy to guide future editorial practices. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and ethical awareness in an era of rapidly evolving technology. It also underscores the need for clear guidelines and policies regarding the use of AI in journalism to maintain the integrity and credibility of the profession.