Who owns the AI tools journalists use? A new study exposes a dangerous transparency gap

Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism - 

A recent Media and Journalism Research Center study reveals a significant transparency gap among AI tool companies used in journalism. Over two-thirds lack essential ownership and financial information. The report emphasizes the need for greater accountability to ensure that biases do not compromise journalistic integrity, particularly regarding tools that may misrepresent Global South perspectives.

Read more at Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism (6 mins)

AI slop is already invading Oregon’s local journalism

KLCC | NPR for Oregonians - December 10, 2024

A bizarre case of identity theft has emerged in Oregon. Journalist Joe Minihane found his name used for articles on a fake version of the Ashland Daily Tidings. This highlights the challenges facing local journalism amid widespread scams and declining news outlets. As rural newspapers struggle with ownership changes and job losses, innovative models like Ashland News are striving to deliver credible reporting that resonates with the community.

Read more at KLCC | NPR for Oregonians (14 mins)

Organizational AI for journalism: Dealing with the dilemma

Deutsche Welle - December 16, 2024

As AI technologies increasingly permeate journalism, media organizations must prioritize ethical and transparent practices to rebuild public trust. A proposed three-tiered approach emphasizes establishing ethical foundations, compliance systems, and operational implementations to responsibly navigate the complexities of AI in news reporting.

Read more at Deutsche Welle (5 mins)

Media sector facing tough choices navigating AI revolution

Euractiv - 

A recent report highlights AI's transformative potential in journalism. It enhances reporting and personalizes news delivery while acknowledging challenges like ethical concerns and misinformation. The report advocates for a balanced approach that integrates AI tools to augment human capabilities, emphasizing the importance of training journalists and maintaining transparency and accountability.

Read more at Euractiv (1 min)

The year we stop talking about “AI”

Nieman Lab - 

As the hype around AI subsides, media companies must innovate by leveraging AI to create personalized and engaging content that fosters community involvement and rebuilds trust. Otherwise, they risk falling behind competitors. The future of media lies in prioritizing genuine human connections and collaboration, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation.

Read more at Nieman Lab (4 mins)

Journalists build the AI tools they actually want to use

Nieman Lab - 

Gannett's poorly received AI-generated report on a high school soccer match in August 2023 highlights the challenges of integrating artificial intelligence into journalism following an initial wave of excitement that has given way to scepticism. However, as journalists adapt and create innovative AI tools for tasks like content generation and fact-checking, a more collaborative future for AI in newsrooms is emerging.

Read more at Nieman Lab (4 mins)

Publishers find the AI era not all that lucrative

Nieman Lab - 

As the AI era brings some profits to media publishers, a forecast suggests that by 2025, most will struggle to secure significant financial backing from tech companies, notably smaller and non-English outlets. While high-profile deals exist, they often yield minimal revenue, prompting publishers to focus on creating valuable content for the public rather than relying on elusive AI partnerships.

Read more at Nieman Lab (4 mins)

Responsible AI in academic publishing

Research Information - December 16, 2024

Harry Muncey highlights that responsible AI practices are essential for sustainable growth. They foster trust and innovation while addressing ethical challenges through a human-centered approach. Organizations that prioritize these principles enhance their competitive advantage and ensure that technology serves humanity effectively and responsibly.

Read more at Research Information (5 mins)

Authors Guild Reinforces Its Position on AI Licensing

PublishersWeekly.com - 

The Authors Guild advocates for authors to maintain control over their works in relation to AI licensing. They emphasize that any agreements should require explicit consent from authors and ensure fair compensation. They argue for a significant revenue share of 75–85% for authors, highlighting the need for individual negotiation to protect authors' rights in the evolving landscape of AI use.

Read more at PublishersWeekly.com (5 mins)

Viewpoint: Universities must embrace AI and contribute to its development

Science|Business - 

As generative AI models like ChatGPT and Bard reshape digital innovation, universities must collaborate on creating reliable, peer-reviewed AI systems. This is crucial for combating misinformation and upholding democratic values. Addressing the quality of data used in AI and reforming the flawed scientific publishing system is essential for fostering knowledge-based societies and ensuring respect for human rights.

Read more at Science|Business (5 mins)

Publishers sell data for millions as AI faces imminent data shortage

Interesting Engineering - December 12, 2024

As large language models face a potential data shortage by 2028, academic publishers are entering multimillion-dollar licensing agreements with tech companies, raising ethical concerns about intellectual property and access to scholarly content. Initiatives like Cambridge University Press's opt-in strategy seek to inform authors about the implications of these partnerships while navigating the evolving landscape of AI in academia.

Read more at Interesting Engineering (6 mins)

AI-authored abstracts ‘more authentic’ than human-written ones

Times Higher Education (THE) - December 15, 2024

A University of Waterloo study reveals that journal abstracts paraphrased by generative AI are perceived as more authentic and compelling than those written solely by humans, with higher ratings for honesty and clarity. Co-author Lennart Nacke emphasizes the importance of maintaining a "human touch" in academic writing to foster creativity and collaboration, cautioning against scholars becoming mere "impersonal paper-producing machines."

Read more at Times Higher Education (THE) (3 mins)