Example of AI policy from local newsite Rough Draft Atlanta

The most recent data on AI policies across media associations surveyed 51 large media companies to see how they are handling AI policies.

So far, 44% of them do allow journalist to use AI “to gather information and develop story ideas, angles and outlines.” 4% did not allow and half did not answer.

Most documents regarding AI – about 70% – pertain to eitorial staff. 30% pertain to the entire organization, including “advertising or hiring.”

Here’s an example of an AI policy from Rough Draft, Atlanta.

What is AI?

Artificial Intelligence is a broad term for technologies that perform tasks typically done by humans. AI applications can range from simple automation to complex computations.

How We Use AI in Our Stories

As AI technology evolves, we use it in three key areas:

Workflow: Our reporters and editors use transcription software, grammar/spell-check tools, and programs that enhance search engine optimization (SEO), the process of improving a website’s quality and quantity of traffic from search engines.

Data Analysis: For certain stories, we may use AI tools to analyze large amounts of information to help us categorize and analyze it for readers.

Content Generation: We currently do not use AI for content generation.

AI and Visual Content

When AI plays a significant role in creating visual content, we will disclose this. For example, if a digital illustration’s central imagery is entirely AI-generated, we will specify which parts were created by AI and which were not. We maintain this transparency for all types of AI-generated content while adhering to our journalistic editing processes.

Identifying AI Use in Our Content

If AI has substantially impacted a story, we will include a clear notice explaining how the technology was used.

For visual content significantly created using AI, this will be clearly noted in the photo caption or video description.

Editorial Oversight

Our editors control all content generated by our writers and AI and can make adjustments at any time. We constantly monitor the accuracy, quality, and results of new journalistic tools, making improvements when necessary and discontinuing automation that doesn’t meet our standards.

Our ethics policy requires us to correct errors, whether made by humans or AI, as quickly as possible. We promise to be transparent about errors and to note when a story is corrected.

Looking Ahead

As AI technology continues to evolve rapidly, our guidelines will evolve with it. Above all, Rough Draft Atlanta values our credibility in gathering and reporting news and the trust you place in us. This commitment to transparency and accuracy will not change.

Updated, July 2024

https://roughdraftatlanta.com/ai-policy-rough-draf/#:~:text=Our%20ethics%20policy%20requires%20us,when%20a%20story%20is%20corrected.