In this Cleveland newsroom, AI is writing (but not reporting) the news (www.cjr.org)

Cleveland.com and the Plain Dealer have introduced an innovative AI rewrite desk to enhance journalistic efficiency. Chris Quinn, the editor, hired Joshua Newman as an "AI rewrite specialist" to utilize an in-house version of ChatGPT for transforming reporters' drafts into articles, allowing journalists to focus more on gathering information rather than writing. Since its implementation, the newsroom has maintained its story output while providing reporters with extra time for fieldwork, leading to more nuanced and comprehensive journalism. This initiative is significant for the AI and journalism community as it exemplifies a proactive approach to integrating AI into newsrooms rather than viewing it as a threat. While some industry critics argue that reliance on AI for writing diminishes the role of reporters, Quinn emphasizes that AI acts as a supportive tool, similar to traditional software like Microsoft Excel. With strict verification processes to mitigate AI-generated inaccuracies, the Cleveland newsroom aims to improve the overall quality of reporting, enriching the connection between journalists and their communities. The ongoing experiment highlights the potential for AI to revolutionize news production while preserving the vital human element in journalism.