AI saves local news

Bill Grueskin’s prediction for 2023 journalism is something I never considered. He believes local news channels will start using AI to write some of their pieces, and save their viewers. He talks about how there has been a decline in the number of local news stations, and most that remain are understaffed due to less funding. Local news reports are essential for citizens to feel connected with their communities. They like to hear what is going on at school board meetings and what new business are coming to town, but with budget cutbacks, these stations can only afford to have their staff members report on major news. Due to the lack of this coverage, “citizens feel more estranged from the agencies that govern their lives and the officials who set their tax rates and hire their superintendents.” To avoid a decrease in viewership, and keep their current viewers happy, Grueskin believes they will use AI programs like ChatGTP to write stories about minor local news events. He does address that an issue that many foresee, himself included. “One is the concern that this will just serve as a convenient way to eliminate more staff.” Still, he believes “editors will do this because they have to,” to save their station.

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