Business Insider has announced a new policy allowing its reporters to utilize AI for generating first drafts of articles without informing readers of this usage. This decision positions the publication among the pioneering media organizations to adopt such comprehensive AI integration, according to a report by Status, a media industry newsletter.
The internal memo outlining these AI policies was sent out by editor-in-chief Jamie Heller on Thursday. The guidelines stipulate that AI can be utilized as a standard tool for various functions, including research activities and image editing, as reported by Status.
An FAQ section included in the memo addressed the use of AI in drafting articles, confirming it is permitted as long as the final output remains the journalist’s own work. Journalists are reminded that they will bear responsibility for all articles published under their bylines.
According to Status, articles will not feature disclaimers indicating that AI tools were used in their creation. However, any content that is fully generated by AI or has not been thoroughly vetted will include such warnings.
The proliferation of AI technology has sparked debates within the journalism sector, challenging traditional business models and raising concerns over potential plagiarism and operational risks for news organizations. Business Insider faced scrutiny earlier this summer after publishing stories attributed to an alleged AI-generated content producer posing as a freelancer.
Emphasizing its commitment to innovative practices, Business Insider has rapidly adopted AI technologies to bolster its operations. The organization appointed an AI lead for the newsroom and introduced several initiatives, including an AI search tool. Additionally, its parent company, Axel Springer, has established licensing agreements with technology leaders such as OpenAI and Microsoft.
