Cobb County Courier Announces Artificial Intelligence Policy
The Cobb County Courier has announced its transparency policy outlining how, when, and for what limited purposes artificial intelligence is used in its news production processes.
Larry Felton Johnson, who sets the publication's policies, announced that the Cobb County Courier uses artificial intelligence in limited areas such as drafting press releases, summarizing government agendas, data formatting, and as a research assistant.
Artificial Intelligence Usage Policy
Stating that artificial intelligence is here to stay as an efficiency tool, officials emphasized the need to develop ethical rules and ensure transparency in the use of this technology.
Transparency and Byline Practices
While articles prepared through traditional methods by freelance reporters feature author bylines, this signature is removed in pieces where artificial intelligence is utilized, and an informative note is shared at the end of the text.
Drafting from Press Releases
In certain content, including police public relations bulletins, artificial intelligence is used as a starting point to prepare the initial draft and is audited by comparing it with the source material.
Summarizing Local Government Agendas
Video recordings and meeting agendas produced by local governments are summarized using artificial intelligence to pre-identify critical discussions that need to be examined.
Data Conversion for the Web
Public information that is difficult to present on the website, such as complex tables in PDF format, is converted into more accessible web formats with the help of artificial intelligence.
Research and Editorial Oversight
Considering that artificial intelligence outputs may contain errors and omit context, all published content undergoes rigorous editorial review and verification processes prior to publication.