LA Times makes foray into AI for editorial assessment, sparking journalism ethics debate

The Los Angeles Times‘ decision to employ AI for analyzing article bias marks a controversial shift in how traditional media outlets are integrating artificial intelligence into their editorial processes. This development represents one of the first instances of a major U.S. newspaper using AI to evaluate its own content and generate alternative viewpoints, raising significant questions about editorial oversight and the role of automated systems in journalism.

The big picture: LA Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong announced the implementation of an AI system that labels articles as “Voices” when they express particular stances or personal perspectives.

• The system adds AI-generated “Insights” at the bottom of articles, including bullet points labeled “Different views on the topic.”
• The initiative extends beyond opinion pieces to include news commentary, criticism, and reviews.

Industry reactions: The LA Times Guild has expressed strong opposition to the new AI implementation.

• Guild vice chair Matt Hamilton acknowledged support for helping readers distinguish news from opinion but criticized the use of “AI-generated analysis unvetted by editorial staff.”
• Union members argue the approach may not enhance media trust.

Key problems: The AI system has already produced questionable content within its first day of operation.

• An opinion piece about AI’s risks in historical documentaries was labeled as having a “Center Left point of view,” with the AI suggesting that “AI democratizes historical storytelling.”
• The system generated controversial alternative viewpoints about the Ku Klux Klan’s historical presence in California, which were later removed.

The broader context: Several major news organizations are currently utilizing AI, though typically not for editorial assessments.

• Bloomberg, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Washington Post employ AI for various operational purposes.
• Recent AI mishaps in news include MSN’s AI incorrectly recommending a food bank as a tourist destination and Apple‘s Intelligence feature distorting a news headline about a shooting suspect.

Why this matters: The LA Times’ experiment highlights the ongoing tension between technological innovation in journalism and the need for human oversight, particularly when AI systems are tasked with analyzing sensitive historical and social issues.