AI Use Guidelines
Tips for Ethical Use
Transparency
- Disclose the use of AI tools in reporting
- Inform audiences when AI-generated content is involved
- Lift the curtain and bring the audience behind the scenes
Accountability
- Journalists remain responsible for accuracy and integrity of AI-assisted content
- AI use should assist the reporter, not directly touch the content
- No AI use should be hidden—let us know when and how you used it!
Bias Awareness
- AI is more likely to amplify bias than remove it
- Consider where biases are likely to appear and work to mitigate them
Rule of Thumb
Key Rule
BCN Wire:
Any use of AI should assist the reporter and be carefully vetted. AI should NEVER directly touch the content.
LNM/TMV:
Experimenting with AI is encouraged! But any use that directly touches content should be run by Chloe & Ciara beforehand and disclosed to readers. Kat needs to sign off on new published content.
General Guidelines
Before Using AI
- Create a plan—when and how will AI be used?
- Consider pros and cons—do rewards outweigh risks?
- Find ways to minimize those risks
- If in doubt, run details past Chloe or Ciara!
While Using AI
- Ensure AI assists the reporter, not directly touching content
- Track your process—note when you use AI and specifics
- Establish protocol for fact-checking and verifying information
After Using AI
- Check your work—ensure AI-used processes are verified
- Communicate to editor how AI was used
- Consider whether AI use should be disclosed to audience
Tips for a Good Prompt
01.
Persona/Role
Specify the role you want the AI to assume
02.
Tasks
Clearly state what you need help with. Break down complex requests
03.
Audience
Define who the content is for to tailor responses
04.
Context/Constraints
Provide relevant background info and constraints. Be careful with sensitive information
05.
Format
Specify how you want the response to be presented
Adapted from GNI Training
Example Prompt
“How can I be more civically engaged in my community?”
Persona
Act as an expert on civic engagement and grassroots political organizing.
Task
I would like a list of ways I can be more involved in supporting democracy and civic action.
Audience
I am a young voter (18-24) frustrated with democracy and motivated to take action.
Context
I prefer local community involvement rather than national politics. I want to participate in existing groups.
Format
Provide recommendations with information about who organizes each suggestion.
Helpful Phrases to Add to Prompts
Explain _____ to me like I’m five
Give me an analogy for _____
What are the key topics to understand about _____
Give me pros and cons of _____
Create a plan with top 5 areas to focus on
Transform key points into a story
Create a quiz to test my understanding
Help me apply _____ to real life
Adapted from GNI Training
Uses of AI – Examples & Guidelines
Use:
AI transcription tools for recording interviews with sources
Tips:
- Use traditional recording means as backup for audio/video
- Take manual notes instead of relying solely on AI transcript
- Review transcript immediately after interview and make fixes
- Refer back to audio/video to verify important information
- DO NOT pull quotes directly from AI transcript—use original recording
Use:
ChatGPT or similar for brainstorming article ideas
Tips:
- AI should not be your first stop—brainstorm with colleagues first
- AI should not be your last stop—workshop results further
- Consider what biases may be present and watch for them
- Craft prompts intentionally using tips above
Use:
Search assist AI to find background information on topics
Tips:
- Evaluate AI sources—do they meet journalistic standards?
- Cross-reference with multiple trusted sources for validity
- AI is a generalist—helpful for broad topics, weak on specifics
- Don’t underestimate value of traditional research and reporting