Home » US business news » New York Times hires newsroom director to lead artificial intelligence

New York Times hires newsroom director to lead artificial intelligence

By Nithya Bose in US business news, posted December 13, 2023

The New York Times is making significant strides in emerging technology by appointing an editorial director of artificial intelligence initiatives.

Zach Seward, co-founder of Quartz, is working with newsroom leadership to establish principles for “how we do and do not use generative AI.”

Executive Editor Joe Kahn and Deputy Managing Editor Sam Dolnick informed employees about the move on Tuesday, December 12.

Seward wrote to staff: “He shares our firm belief that Times journalism will always be reported, written and edited by our expert journalists.”

Mr Seward is expected to build a small team dedicated to experimenting with AI tools, prototyping ideas, and designing training programs for journalists.

The hiring reflects a broader industry trend where news organizations cautiously integrate generative AI tools to enhance efficiency in newsroom operations.

AI has the potential to automate various tasks, from publishing to headline creation and even drafting entire articles.

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However, concerns persist among journalists regarding the potential compromise of content quality, factual accuracy, and the impact on employment.

The Times has already opened the door for newsroom staff to experiment with AI tools, acknowledging the need for a thoughtful and controlled approach.

"Times journalism will always be reported, written and edited by our expert journalists.”

Approximately 50 senior newsroom employees explored potential applications of AI technology during a meeting in August.

They discussed ways to improve work efficiency, such as generating headline ideas and parsing data.

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While AI adoption in journalism is gaining traction, factual errors have been reported.

Gannett's Columbus Dispatch faced criticism for running an AI-generated article about a high school soccer game with placeholders for winning teams' mascots.

Other publishers, like CNET and Arena Group, have faced challenges and paused AI experiments due to errors.

As The New York Times navigates the evolving landscape of AI journalism, it addresses technical aspects and emphasizes transparency about the individuals producing content.

The publication has begun publishing enhanced reporter bios and short videos, providing insights into the people behind the news.

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