AI Meets Journalism: LA Times Launches Controversial “Voices” and “Insights” Features

Los Angeles Times Introduces AI-Powered “Voices” Label and Insights

The Los Angeles Times has announced a new initiative to implement artificial intelligence in labeling articles and providing additional perspectives on its content. Owner Patrick Soon-Shiong revealed that the newspaper will use AI to tag articles with a “Voices” label, indicating pieces that express a particular stance or are written from a personal viewpoint.

In addition to the labeling system, AI-generated “Insights” will be added to these articles, offering bullet points and alternative perspectives on the topics discussed. The “Voices” tag will not be limited to the Opinion section but will also encompass news commentary, criticism, and reviews.

Soon-Shiong believes this initiative will support the newspaper’s journalistic mission by presenting readers with a variety of viewpoints. However, the move has sparked concerns among some staff members and media observers.

The Los Angeles Times Guild has expressed reservations about the AI-generated analysis, emphasizing the need for editorial vetting to maintain reader trust. Matt Hamilton, vice chair of the Guild, while supportive of distinguishing news from opinion, criticized the unvetted AI approach.

Early implementation of the AI system has already led to questionable results in some articles. An opinion piece on AI in historical documentaries was labeled as aligning with a “Center Left” view, with the AI suggesting that AI democratizes storytelling. Another article discussing Ku Klux Klan members in California politics included an AI-generated view that appeared to downplay the Klan’s ideological threat, contradicting the article’s premise.

These incidents highlight the importance of editorial oversight in the use of AI tools to avoid errors and misinterpretations. Similar AI-related mishaps have occurred at other media outlets, including MSN’s incorrect recommendations and Gizmodo’s non-chronological list generation.

While the Los Angeles Times explores this new frontier, other major news organizations such as Bloomberg, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Washington Post also utilize AI for various purposes. However, these outlets typically do not employ AI for editorial assessments.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, the integration of AI in journalism raises important questions about accuracy, editorial responsibility, and the balance between technological innovation and traditional journalistic values.