Quartz, the international business news outlet, has subtly begun publishing AI-generated news articles under the byline “Quartz Intelligence Newsroom.”
Initially focused on straightforward earnings reports, the scope has recently expanded to include more intricate stories using AI aggregation from sources such as CNN, MSN, and The Associated Press.
One notable AI-generated piece titled South Korea Shares Preliminary Findings on Jeju Air Crash Investigation compiles information gathered by human journalists but lacks direct quotes or in-depth attributions typically seen in traditional reporting.
Experimental AI Adoption Confirmed
G/O Media, Quartz’s parent company, confirmed the “purely experimental” AI newsroom initiative without revealing the specific AI models or tools used. According to a spokesperson, the objective is to free human reporters to work on “longer and more deeply reported articles.”
Concerns persist regarding the quality of AI-generated content. In one instance, an AI article adapted from TechCrunch’s guide on deleting accounts across Meta platforms offered vague and incomplete instructions compared to the original content.
Quality and Ethical Concerns
This isn’t G/O Media’s first experience with AI-related criticism. In 2023, it faced backlash for publishing error-filled AI articles that bypassed editorial oversight.
Many argue that AI-driven news often lacks the journalistic nuance and accuracy essential for trustworthy reporting.
A notable divergence from traditional journalism is how these AI articles cite sources. Attribution is often limited to the beginning of the piece, raising concerns about transparency and authenticity.
Business and Financial Implications
Quartz asserts that the move toward AI-driven journalism aims to optimize operations and reduce costs since AI content generation doesn’t require salaries or benefits. The company claims reader engagement with AI-generated articles has “far exceeded expectations.”
Despite speculation about financial instability, Quartz denies these rumors, emphasizing its ongoing expansion efforts following recent staff reductions tied to asset sales.
Beyond Earnings Reports: Expanding AI Coverage
What began as a focus on earnings summaries has evolved into more diverse AI-generated content, covering topics like Reddit community trends, legal settlements, and reflections on AI technology itself. This shift underscores Quartz’s experimental approach to diversifying its storytelling methods.
Source Attribution Challenges
Quartz’s AI-generated pieces often suffer from shallow attribution practices. For example, a Reddit-focused story referenced Yahoo and the New York Post, which themselves cited outlets like NBC News. This indirect sourcing highlights a “telephone effect” that can degrade information accuracy.
AI Accuracy and Editorial Oversight
Quartz acknowledges the experimental nature of its AI initiative with disclaimers about accuracy and timeliness.
Industry experts emphasize the critical role of human editorial oversight in mitigating AI-driven errors, particularly in sensitive or rapidly developing stories.
Generative AI Reshaping Newsrooms
Quartz’s adoption of AI reflects broader trends across the media landscape. News organizations like Semafor and Skift are also exploring AI to enhance storytelling and efficiency.
Semafor uses AI tools like MISO for breaking news curation, while Skift’s AI chatbot, “Ask Skift,” identifies emerging trends and answers reader queries.
Lessons from High-Profile AI Missteps
AI-generated news isn’t without controversy. Incidents involving inaccurate AI content from Sports Illustrated and other outlets underscore the pitfalls of implementing AI without robust editorial safeguards.
Experts like Felix M. Simon of the Oxford Internet Institute advocate for thoughtful AI integration, stressing collaboration between human journalists and AI tools.
Ethical and Employment Considerations
As AI advances, concerns persist about job displacement in journalism. While AI won’t replace journalists overnight, media companies may use it to justify layoffs.
Experts argue that AI, when used responsibly, can enhance productivity and allow reporters to focus on complex investigative work.
Nikita Roy of the AI Journalism Lab highlights that AI can help newsrooms reach broader audiences and tackle extensive reporting tasks, potentially strengthening the industry.
Broader Industry Context
Quartz isn’t alone in experimenting with AI-driven content. Organizations like CNET and Gannett have launched similar initiatives. Sports Illustrated faced backlash for publishing AI-written articles under fake bylines.
As AI becomes more embedded in journalism, industry experts remain divided. While AI offers operational efficiencies, critics warn of risks related to misinformation and diminished journalistic integrity.
