Google wants to help write the news with AI
(xavierarnau/E+/Getty Images)

Google wants to help write the news with AI

CNN’s PM Plug-In is a weekday newsletter to catch you up on important news you may have missed during your busy day. Make sure to subscribe to stay in the know.

Today we’re looking at Google’s proposal to “assist” newsrooms and transform journalism with its artificial intelligence technology. The promise of streamlining and better productivity is clashing with concerns about accuracy and employment – not just for journalists but in other industries too. (And we promise this newsletter was written and edited by humans.)


THE AI PITCH:

  • Google says it’s developing an artificial intelligence tool for news publishers that can generate article text and headlines.
  • The tech giant says it wants to partner with news outlets “in a way that enhances their work and productivity” with its “assistive” tool.
  • Google says it’s focusing on “smaller publishers,” though The New York Times reports that Google pitched the project to them, as well as The Washington Post and News Corp., which owns The Wall Street Journal.


THERE ARE CONCERNS:

  • Jobs supplanted? Writers are undoubtedly worried that if a machine can write their articles, they won’t have a job for long. Google insists the project is not aimed at replacing journalists and their “essential role … in reporting, creating, and fact-checking their articles.”
  • Uneasiness about reliability: AI tools, which are trained on information online, have raised concerns over their potential to get facts wrong or “hallucinate” responses. News and technology outlet CNET had to issue “substantial” corrections earlier this year after experimenting with using an AI tool to write stories. Gizmodo encountered a similar problem on an AI-written story about “Star Wars.” Both outlets say they’re still moving forward with the technology.


BIG PICTURE:

  • Tech companies are racing to develop generative AI applications that can be used in the workplace, with the promise of enhancing workflows and productivity.
  • Creatives, including authors and actors, are pushing back in a battle over their writing and performances.
  • This week, thousands of published authors requested payment from tech companies for the use of their copyrighted works in training artificial intelligence tools. The list includes celebrated writers such as Margaret Atwood, Dan Brown, James Patterson and Philip Pullman. “Millions of copyrighted books, articles, essays, and poetry provide the ‘food’ for AI systems, endless meals for which there has been no bill,” the open letter says.
  • One of the most contentious issues in the ongoing actors strike is the use of AI. The actors union is afraid artificial intelligence will lead to far fewer employed actors because studios could use computers to generate performances by actors who aren’t there – especially the actors in background roles. (AI technology was also used to make Harrison Ford look younger for one more crack of the whip as Indiana Jones.)
  • Goldman Sachs estimates as many as 300 million full-time jobs around the world could be automated in some way by the use of AI.

Do you think AI technology could help or hurt industries like journalism and how you get your news? Are you worried that AI could replace you in your job? Share your thoughts in the comments!?

Here are some other stories we're following today:

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(Luca Zaia/Twitter)

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The 2023 Women's World Cup kicked off today. The once-every-four-years soccer tournament is taking place in Australia and New Zealand. Today's opening match in Auckland started on a somber note, with the 40,000-plus fans holding a moment of silence for the two people killed hours before in a shooting at a construction site in the city. A total of 32 teams are playing in this World Cup – the most ever – and the US Women's National Team is looking for repeat success after winning the last two World Cups. The defending champs' first match is Friday evening in US time zones. Check out CNN’s guide to this edition of the tournament, including how to watch and who’s competing. And find out how much the women earn compared to men at World Cups (hint: it’s a pittance).


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Pavel Uncuta

??Founder of AIBoost Marketing, Digital Marketing Strategist | Elevating Brands with Data-Driven SEO and Engaging Content??

4 个月

AI is a powerful tool, but trust in journalism comes from human connection and storytelling. Embrace the evolution, but remember, you bring the personality and empathy that AI can't match! #FutureOfMedia #EmbraceChange ??

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This holds future, not some AI Bit Ch

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Emilio Grimaldi

SWE | Artificial Intelligence | Large Language Models | Research

1 年

Content often repeats across numerous news media channels. As AI emerges as a significant solution, it is crucial to reward high-quality publishers for their efforts while also identifying clickbait, which primarily benefits advertising businesses and hinders the end-user by obstructing access to clear and reliable content necessary for informed decision-making. I highly doubt Google will be a constructive force in this topic though especially since they have removed "Don't be evil" from their codes of conduct.

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Naresh Newar

Knowledge management and Strategic Communications Specialist, AI educator, Digital Media specialist, Writer, Media Engagement specialist, Content Creation, Baker, Rider, and Musician and so many more.

1 年

Might be able to ease the work of journalists like transcribing interviews and structuring their notes, design story plans and also write and edit. But I don’t think machines can replace journalists, especially those who work hard to travel and meet people in person for interviews, and do footwork research and take original photographs -

David Fleisch

Motivated Veteran helping Veterans

1 年

The battle between tech and creativity adds some spicy drama to the mix, and I can't wait to see how this unfolds!

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