Texas Tribune Launches Second AI Reader Survey to Gauge Public Opinion
The Texas Tribune is conducting its second AI reader survey to evaluate public perceptions of AI in journalism.
Key Points
- • Texas Tribune launches second AI reader survey to gauge public opinion on AI in journalism.
- • Previous survey showed 20% of U.S. adults oppose generative AI use in news.
- • Feedback has guided cautious integration of AI tools in journalism.
- • Majority of audience demands transparency and labeling for AI-generated content.
The Texas Tribune is embarking on its second AI reader survey aimed at understanding public opinions on the role of artificial intelligence in journalism. This initiative follows last year's collaboration with 10 newsrooms that focused on assessing reader trust and perceptions surrounding AI. According to Benjamin Toff, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota, the integration of AI in journalism must proceed with caution due to existing skepticism among the public regarding journalism itself.
The initial survey revealed that 20% of U.S. adults oppose the use of generative AI in journalism, underscoring a significant portion of the public that remains wary of AI's involvement in news. Additionally, a notable majority of respondents express the need for clear labeling of any AI-generated content to ensure transparency in journalism practices.
In light of this feedback, the Texas Tribune has committed to a cautious experimentation approach with AI tools. The newsroom's use of AI is designed to enhance efficiency and accessibility rather than replace human journalists. For instance, AI-assisted tools like news quizzes, automated audio narration, and Q&A chatbots are being utilized to improve story delivery while ensuring that journalistic oversight remains paramount. Notably, the Tribune has established specific guidelines that govern its AI practices, maintaining a clear boundary against the use of AI for generating images related to news stories.
Sylvia DalBen Furtado, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Texas at Austin, emphasizes the critical need to grasp audience attitudes concerning AI adoption in journalism. By fostering transparency and actively engaging with readers’ perspectives, the Texas Tribune strives to balance the benefits of technological advancements in news production with the ethical imperatives inherent in journalism.
The survey represents an opportunity for the public to voice their opinions on AI usage in reporting, with the Texas Tribune encouraging reader participation. The newsroom's ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability aims to reassure the audience as the industry navigates the evolving landscape of AI in journalism.