Artificial Intelligence Policy

Generative AI (GenAI) is an artificial intelligence tool capable of generating new content — including text, video, audio, code, and images — in response to user prompts.

Examples of GenAI tools currently used by Newsberg:

We may use GenAI for its copy editing ability, as well as to help brainstorm ideas or wording, or dig deeper into story research.

We will never use AI to conduct interviews or report on our behalf — the human connection cannot be replaced. We may use AI tools to transcribe interviews, and all resulting files are stored safely and securely. Sensitive interviews that are conducted off the record are transcribed by hand and not transcribed by AI tools to protect identifying information.

We may use AI tools to aid in verifying information. All published content is reported, written, and reviewed by Newsberg humans.

Newsberg runs human-generated stories through GenAI tools that check for grammar, spelling, and AP/Newsberg style. The original story and the AI copy-edited story are proofread side-by-side and fact-checked after that process to ensure facts, quotes, and details have not been changed.

If we ever produce content where any significant element is generated or co-generated with GenAI tools will be labeled as such — in the text body, caption, editor’s note, or another clearly identifiable location. It is our goal to never use that, but we will not comprimise the trust of our audience by hiding it if we do.

We will not label GenAI use in purely mechanical processes such as sorting, organizing, or processing existing data; in pre-production ideation; or in non-production applications (e.g., asking an AI tool for a list of social media ideas).

We will never submit sensitive or protected information through open, proprietary, or shared AI platforms — such as Claude or Otter.ai — where data privacy cannot be controlled. This does not restrict the use of publicly available information in discovery or research through AI tools.

At Newsberg, we want to honestly acknowledge the risks and disruptive realities involved in adopting new technologies. We believe AI can increase the efficiency, quality, and effectiveness of human work — and we aim to use it to enhance, rather than replace, human judgment in our operations. As a free, solo operated, local news outlet, we need all the help we can get.

We will also work to reduce and mitigate any harm that may result if technology causes a job or role to become obsolete. That may include providing additional training, redefining roles, expanding responsibilities, and empowering people to be the overseers of technology rather than its casualties.

These policies have been heavily inspired by and adapted from the work of many newsrooms and organizations that set the standard for fairness and equity in journalism. We specifically want to thank and attribute fellow LION Publishers member Afrolanews.org, as well as the Institute for Nonprofit News, Chicago Sun-Times, Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, Wisconsin Watch, WCPO Cincinnati, Prison Journalism Project, Tiny News Collective, and Trusting News. This is a fast-moving topic, and only through collaboration can we develop an ethical framework.