Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong has announced that the outlet is now using AI to label articles using the “Voices” label and to add a set of AI-generated “Insights” to the bottom of some articles, including some pointing out “Different views on the topic.”
The move has been criticised by LA Times union members, who accused the paper of not vetting the AI-generated analysis, and said it would not help enhance trust in the media.
Soon-Shiong said the system is not limited to opinion section content, and is intended to help readers navigate the issues facing the nation by offering varied viewpoints.
However, The Guardian has pointed out an example of a March 1st op-ed about the dangers of AI in historical documentaries being labelled as aligning with the “Center Left” and countering that AI democratises historical storytelling, which the author of the piece has since disputed.
The quick implementation of the change has led to questions about editorial oversight and whether AI tools are being used responsibly.