A panel on AI in journalism was hosted via Zoom by Cal Matters Journalism Network, a network involving education journalists and reporters. Assistant editor Matthew Reagan of Cal Matters Journalism Network led the panel and first introduced journalism professor, Mike Reilley of the University of Chicago. Mike Reilley is the founder of JournalistsToolbox.ai. It is a site that offers writing tools for AI, and a newsletter that offers training videos and resources to help. Reilley stated that AI has always “had tools being used, we just haven’t known about it.”

He discussed how there have been issues in the industry such as, “AI stealing images from Getty Images and being sued by them.” There are problems within journalism and AI, so Reilley offers tools that aid journalists and researchers on his website.

This could be an interesting transition for journalists in the coming days. Another speaker in the panel, Khari Johnson, a tech reporter from Cal Matters covered AI from an accountability angle. Johnson discussed what journalism should look like for a California audience.

With AI in journalism, it has forced many to take a step back in their careers and workplaces.

Johnson stated, “We are experiencing a lot of layoffs, a lot of smart people are being asked to leave.” AI’s presence in journalism could lead to stories not being as authentic for the audience. It could replace a journalist and their work. Johnson also stated that “we are all the subjects of AI, not the users.” Many could attest that AI has made a huge impact in this industry.

It leaves the question of how much AI could shift our newsrooms. Executive editor of Futurism, Jon Christian also discussed AI influencing news and media companies. Christian expressed the concerns of journalists and said, “Is AI going to steal our jobs or is it going to fizzle out like NFTs?” According to Christian, this could lead to a great shift in journalism.

It is safe to say it will be interesting to see how AI and journalism intertwine in this industry. It could be the best or worst thing to happen in the media.