Rookie at local Wyoming newspaper misused AI

Quotes from the governor of Wyoming and a local prosecutor were the first hints that seemed a bit strange to the seasoned reporter at the Powell TribuneCJ Baker. Then there were some of the almost robotic phrases in certain newspaper articles.

However, the clearest hint that a reporter at a competing news outlet was using generative artificial intelligence (AI) to help write his stories came in a June 26 article about comedian Larry the Cable Guy, who was chosen as the grand marshal of a local parade. It concluded with an explanation of the inverted pyramid, the basic approach to writing a breaking news story.

“The 2024 Cody Parade promises to be an unforgettable celebration of American independence, led by one of comedy’s most beloved figures,” the newspaper reported. Cody Enterprise“This structure ensures that the most critical information is presented first, making it easier for readers to quickly grasp the main points.”

After some digging, Baker, who has been a reporter for more than 15 years, met with Aaron Pelczar, a 40-year-old who was new to journalism and who, according to Baker, admitted that he had used AI in his stories before quitting the job. Cody Enterprise.

Words that were never said

The publisher and the editor of the Cody Enterprisewhich was co-founded in 1899 by Buffalo Bill Cody, has apologized and promised to take steps to ensure it never happens again. In an editorial published Monday, editor Chris Bacon said he was “unable to uncover” the use of AI and fake citations.

““It doesn’t matter that the fake quotes were the apparent mistake of a hasty rookie reporter who trusted the AI. It was my job,” Bacon wrote. He apologized that “the AI ​​was allowed to put words that were never said in the stories.”

Journalists have derailed their careers by fabricating quotes or facts in stories long before AI came along. But this latest scandal illustrates the potential pitfalls and dangers AI poses to many industries, including journalism, as chatbots can spit out spurious, if somewhat plausible, articles with just a few prompts.