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MediaMorph Edition 81 - by HANA News
Fear of the unknown
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The written-by-a-human bit
There is an easy ice breaker for AI networking events or workshops: Are you an AI optimist or an AI pessimist? I am a short-term pessimist, long-term optimist. I believe there will be a sustained period of disruption and upheaval before the sunlit uplands of AI productivity and profits. The destruction part of Schumpeter’s creative destruction will have to be worked through first.
Separate surveys by Edelman and Pew Research show that AI has a serious PR problem. According to the Edelman report, 49% of US respondents and 46% of UK respondents say “I reject it” regarding the growing use of AI.
Much of the negativity is down to genuine concerns that “productivity gains” is a euphemism for job losses. Moreover, data centre build-outs are already impacting consumer electricity prices. That’s before we get into the media hype about the AI bubble crashing the economy, and existential threats to us as a species from an uncontrolled AI overlord.
The anti-AI political momentum is already building from the left and the right - see Bernie Sanders’ op-ed in the Guardian - “AI poses unprecedented threats, Congress must act now” and a cross-party group of UK MPs calling for stricter regulation.
As we report today, we are starting to see pushback from the shopfloor. Unionised journalists at Business Insider are protesting against AI-generated news stories, and The NewsGuild-CWA (with 27,000 members at major companies including New York Times, LA Times, POLITICO and ProPublica) have started a nationwide “News, Not Slop” campaign.
Media leaders need to get on the front foot and have open and honest conversations about AI strategies, safe AI use cases and implement strict guidelines about AI-generated content. As we reported last week, much antipathy is driven by fear of the unknown. With proper training, guidance, and practice, the resistance falls away. Introductory prompting courses will not cut it. Journalists and business folk need to be shown how AI works to demystify it. Only forensic analysis of workflows will surface real pain points and worthwhile AI investments. As I often tell my clients, AI needs to be taken out of the efficiency bucket and seen as an exciting new product enabler.
Time to update your “sue or woo” media companies v AI platforms infographic, as Meta signs deals with CNN and USA Today while The New York Times and Chicago Tribune sue the resident punchbag Perplexity.
SUE
WOO
Pity the poor folk at The Telegraph Media Group in London, as they look to find a new berth at DMGT, publisher of The Daily Mail. While The Telegraph has been making great strides in AI adoption under the leadership of Dylan Jacques as CTO, senior execs at DMGT told me in the summer that there was massive internal resistance to any AI initiatives. Will the Telegraph be suffocated, or will The Daily Mail be inspired?
Mark Riley, CEO, Mathison AI
AI and Journalism
Meta strikes multiple AI deals with news publishers Reuters - Meta has formed partnerships with major news publishers like CNN and USA Today to leverage AI technologies for enhancing content creation and distribution, aiming to improve the quality of news on its platforms. These agreements reflect Meta's commitment to supporting journalism while adapting to the evolving digital media landscape. |
Journalists may see AI as a threat to the industry, but they’re using it anyway A recent survey reveals that over half of U.K. journalists use AI weekly, primarily for language processing and story research; however, many feel overwhelmed by low-level tasks and express concerns about AI's impact on journalism. While conglomerate-owned outlets are more likely to adopt AI, ethical worries persist, with only a small percentage receiving adequate training on its use. |
RELEASE: STANDING UP TO PROTECT JOURNALISM FROM AI SLOP A landmark arbitration ruling has been announced, affirming workers' rights and establishing a precedent for fair treatment and compensation in the industry. Union leaders celebrate this decision as a victory for all employees, highlighting its significance for current and future labour practices. |
Journalists win a key battle over AI in the newsroom Bloodinthemachine - December 3, 2025 In a landmark ruling, Politico has been mandated to involve its newsroom and negotiate with the union regarding AI use in journalism, emphasising the necessity of human oversight to maintain accuracy and accountability. This development highlights the ongoing struggle between media professionals and the encroachment of AI technologies, as unions advocate for ethical standards that protect journalistic integrity. |
10 ways I use AI to be a better journalist Concerns are mounting over an "AI bubble," as critics argue that the hype surrounding artificial intelligence may not align with actual productivity gains, leading to scepticism about long-term value and potential market corrections. The rush to adopt AI without a full understanding of its limitations raises questions about the sustainability of current investments in the sector. |
AI for Early Career Journalists AI for Early Career Journalists - The New Hampshire - December 4, 2025 AI is revolutionising journalism by enhancing efficiency and creativity, allowing early-career journalists to focus on storytelling while navigating the challenges of misinformation. By responsibly leveraging free AI tools for tasks like writing assistance, transcription, and data analysis, journalists can strengthen their skills and maintain the integrity of their reporting. |
The spread of AI in UK journalism comes with reservations Phys - Professor Neil Thurman and Sina Thäsler-Kordonouri's study from LMU explores the significant shifts in media consumption driven by digital technologies, highlighting the rise of online platforms and social media's role in public discourse. Their research offers valuable insights for media professionals on adapting to audience behavior, content personalization, and the implications for diversity in today's media landscape. |
A Trustworthy AI Assistant for Investigative Journalists Stanford - In response to the decline of local newspapers, Stanford's Monica Lam is developing DataTalk, a chatbot that aids journalists in accessing and analyzing public databases accurately. This innovative tool aims to empower investigative journalism by streamlining data analysis, enabling impactful storytelling even amidst resource challenges. |
Tri-College Newspapers Host Panel on Politics, AI, and the State of Journalism The Clerk - December 1, 2025 A recent panel featuring alumni journalists from Haverford and Swarthmore explored the evolving landscape of journalism amidst political tensions and the rise of artificial intelligence. Panellists emphasised the importance of truth, maintaining a human connection in reporting, and the challenges posed by misinformation and shifting political dynamics. |
Business Insider journalists to hold rally protesting AI usage Talking Biz News - December 4, 2025 Unionized journalists at Business Insider are rallying on Thursday to protest management's plans for AI-generated news stories, which follow significant layoffs earlier this year. Concerns about the future of human journalism have been raised by union members, including senior reporter Alex Nicoll, who emphasised the importance of traditional reporting over automation. |
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AI and Academic Publishing
Physicists Split on AI Use in Peer Review Aps - A recent survey reveals mixed opinions among researchers about the role of generative AI in academic peer review, with some praising its efficiency and ability to enhance manuscript quality, while others express concerns over biases and reduced human oversight. This ongoing debate underscores the importance of carefully integrating AI tools to maintain a balance between technological benefits and essential human evaluation in publishing. |
Bloomsbury Partners with Google on AI-Powered Publishing Infrastructure Bloomsbury has teamed up with Google Cloud to revolutionize publishing through advanced AI technologies, aiming to enhance book discovery and engagement while optimizing inventory management. This collaboration promises to leverage data-driven insights for improved learning outcomes and sales predictions in the publishing industry. |
The case of the fake references in an ethics journal Retraction Watch - December 2, 2025 A recent investigation revealed that a paper in the Journal of Academic Ethics, examining whistleblowing among individuals with disabilities in Ethiopian education, included 19 fabricated references generated by ChatGPT. This incident raises serious concerns about the reliability of academic publications and highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring research integrity as AI-generated content becomes increasingly prevalent. |
Artificial intelligence research has a slop problem, academics say: ‘It’s a mess’ The Guardian - December 6, 2025 Recent UC Berkeley graduate Kevin Zhu has stirred controversy with claims of authoring 113 AI papers this year, sparking debate over the declining quality of research in a field overwhelmed by submissions and driven by academic pressures. Critics like Hany Farid argue that the focus on quantity over quality is compromising meaningful contributions, as the influx of AI-generated content complicates the landscape for discerning valuable insights. |
Safeguarding the integrity of scientific literature in the 21st century Nature - December 7, 2025 The digital era has transformed scientific publishing, enhancing accessibility but also giving rise to challenges like predatory journals and exaggerated research claims. This article explores these issues and offers practical strategies for ensuring the integrity of scientific literature and informed decision-making. |
Upcoming event on the future of reproducibility research and policy Join TIER2's closing symposium on 11 February 2026, from 14:00 to 18:00 CET, as experts gather to explore the future of reproducibility in science, highlighting key findings from their project on emerging technologies and research cultures. Engage in discussions on the impact of AI, diverse research practices, and the balance between openness and responsible research in shaping a transparent scientific landscape. |
Viewpoint: AI could make scientific overload worse Alistair Nolan from the OECD warns that large language models like ChatGPT could worsen overproduction in academia by making it easier for researchers to generate excessive publications and grant applications. He emphasizes the need for a fundamental rethink of research governance, cautioning against relying on AI for evaluations due to potential biases and the risk of overwhelming funding agencies. |
This newsletter was partly curated and summarised by AI agents, who can make mistakes. Check all important information. For any issues or inaccuracies, please notify us here
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