Artificial intelligence is a part of daily life for most people, including journalists. From grammar checks to Google searches, these tools can improve how we work.
But individual journalists continue to have the central role of gathering and evaluating information and composing articles, video, photography and audio for our audience.
The Clarion Newspaper has recently developed an AI policy for its staff writers, editors, photographers, videographers, illustrators and graphic designers.
It is our priority as a student journalistic publication to provide an authentic representation of news on campus, by and for students. Accuracy, fairness and accountability are some of the most important journalistic values and will be central to The Clarion’s use of any AI tool.
Regarding our writing, research, and creative processes, we have specific guidelines our staff follows surrounding the use of AI for the Clarion. Some of our policies are as follows:
Information gathering: Individual journalists will be responsible for fact-checking any information gathered through using an AI tool for accuracy and fairness. The Clarion will be transparent in its use of any AI tool to ensure accountability.
Generative written content: No generative written content will be allowed in the print edition, website or e-newsletters.
Research use: Any information gathered using an AI tool should be treated as unvetted source material. Information gathered this way must be verified through additional sources, and the original source should be cited. If journalists have any doubt about the authenticity or accuracy of the material, it should not be used.
Visual and audio elements: We do not allow the use of generative AI to add or subtract any elements of audio, photo or video.
Illustrations: Generative AI tools are OK to use to help develop ideas, but because of copyright concerns, it is not recommended to use AI to generate visual images for publication.
Approved uses and tools include Grammarly for spell check and grammar check.
Any AI use in content will be fully disclosed in a caption or end note. Any other uses require editor/editorial board approval.