Journalism

About half of Americans, 53%, say they are extremely or very concerned that news organizations will report inaccuracies or misinformation during the election. Some 42% express worry that news outlets will use generative artificial intelligence to create stories, according to a poll from the American Press Institute and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Pictured: Journalists line the press stand before Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a caucus night party in Des Moines, Iowa, Jan. 15, 2024. (Andrew Harnik/AP)

A recent survey of U.S. college journalism programs revealed that while concerns over reporter safety have increased, not all students are learning about ways to protect themselves before graduating. The survey, conducted by volunteer leaders of the RTDNA Safety Committee, received responses from 21 journalism program leaders representing schools that had between 100 and 2,500 journalism undergraduates. Those respondents gave an average score of 9.05 out of 10 when asked how important it was that students receive training on personal safety, whether physical, mental, or digital.

Artificial intelligence is proving both a blessing and a bane for news publishers. On the one hand, generative AI technologies promise productivity gains for newsrooms when used responsibly and transparently. However, it also has the potential to create a minefield of misinformation for the public and for journalists to navigate. There’s also the allegation of copyright infringement that news publishers have begun to legally challenge. These are just a few examples of how AI disrupts news, but there’s another: AI-powered search.

RedBird IMI said it had withdrawn its attempt to acquire the storied newspaper after a revolt from Conservative Party leaders.

The New York Daily News, Chicago Tribune, Denver Post and other papers filed the lawsuit Tuesday in a New York federal court.

Michael Corn is named president of programming and specials while Cherie Grzech becomes president and managing editor of news and politics. The two sign multi-year contract extensions as the network plans to expand news programming to 24-hours per day later this spring.

Hunter Biden is threatening to sue Fox News for defamation, exploitation of his image and publication of hacked photographs, according to a letter obtained by Axios that was sent to the news channel last week. It’s the latest salvo in the president’s son’s more aggressive legal and press strategy over the past year amid criminal charges and tabloid coverage, and first big move after navigating the impeachment inquiry into his father.

Kevin Curran: Today’s journalism students are tethered to their phones for information. Their professors and the broadcasters who would hire them need to work together to bridge a widening chasm.

The veteran streaming and advertising exec will lead the company’s digital go-to-market strategy at Scripps Sports, Ion, Scripps News and local news.

223 Local Now FAST channels offering local news, weather and entertainment will be available to owners of LG Smart TVs.

New jobs posted to TVNewsCheck’s Media Job Center include an opening for a digital platform specialist. Other existing job openings include ones for an account executive, executive producer, meteorologist, weekend anchor, sales manager, senior newscast producer, digital video producer and reporter.

Cynthia Lieberman: In the right hands and with thoughtful application, artificial intelligence has the potential to save and revitalize authentic journalism by empowering real reporters and producers to generate more and better stories.