Sun-Times, Inquirer Manage Fallout from AI-Generated Article
The Chicago Sun-Times and Philadelphia Inquirer have apologized and condemned the use of AI in journalism, after an AI-generated reading list published by both outlets went viral on May 20 for featuring nonexistent titles. Both outlets have since removed the content from their e-editions and say they will be strengthening their editorial processes for syndicated content. The list was licensed from King Features, a unit of Hearst.
In a New York Times interview, the freelancer behind the list, Marco Buscaglia, also apologized for not disclosing his AI usage and for putting the outlets under scrutiny. Others think the issue may be more systemic. Newsrooms are increasingly reliant on overworked and underpaid freelancers, particularly given Trump-era threats to local and public media.
King Features told the Sun-Times they have a strict no-AI policy and that they had "cut ties" with Buscaglia.
