Introduction

Reporter CJ Baker was at the Powell Tribune office in Northwest Wyoming when his editor read an article aloud from a competing paper, the Cody Enterprise. The article described Yellowstone National Park and ended with a peculiar statement that raised suspicions.

Discovery of AI Usage

Baker recognized the writing style as something he had seen from a chatbot. Upon further investigation, he discovered fabricated quotes attributed to various individuals, including the governor and experts.

Expert Opinions

Alex Mahadevan from the Poynter Institute expressed his intrigue over the incident, noting that he had never encountered a reporter using AI to generate quotes before. He emphasized that while AI can be beneficial for tasks like transcription, it should not replace genuine journalism.

Media Attention

The scandal caught the attention of major media outlets, prompting discussions about the ethical implications of AI in journalism. Mahadevan advocates for a clear public policy regarding AI usage in newsrooms.

Responses from Other Journalists

Sarah Squires, managing editor of several Wyoming newspapers, stated her newsroom’s policy against using AI for writing. She encourages traditional research methods and emphasizes the importance of authentic journalism.

Conclusion

This incident serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibilities journalists hold and the potential pitfalls of using AI in reporting. As the industry evolves, it is crucial to maintain integrity and transparency in news reporting.

This story was produced by the Mountain West News Bureau, a collaboration between Wyoming Public Media and other regional stations.