Key Takeaways:
- The Dispatch does not use AI-generated content to replace human journalists’ expertise, judgment, and voice.
- AI is used to augment human judgment, not replace it, and is only permitted for tasks such as research, transcription, and other menial tasks.
- The Dispatch has a set of core principles for AI use, including that humans own the output, AI assists but doesn’t replace thinking, and AI output is treated as unvetted source material.
- Certain uses of AI are prohibited, including generating publishable content, structural outsourcing, outsourcing critical thinking, and wholly AI-generated art.
- Freelance contributors are also subject to the same core principles and guidelines for AI use.
Introduction to AI Use at The Dispatch
The Dispatch regularly receives questions from readers, listeners, and contributors about its stance on artificial intelligence and how it incorporates the technology into its work. As AI-generated content becomes increasingly prevalent, it’s becoming more challenging to determine what is real and who to trust. The Dispatch emphasizes that its readers and listeners trust its journalists’ expertise, judgment, and voice, and that trust is its most valuable asset. As stated, "Our readers and listeners subscribe to The Dispatch because they trust our journalists’ expertise, judgment, and voice. That trust is our most valuable asset—we work hard to earn it every day—and we will not risk it for marginal efficiency gains."
Core Principles for AI Use
The Dispatch has outlined a set of core principles for AI use across the organization, grounded in the philosophy that AI should augment human judgment, not replace it. These principles include that humans own the output, AI assists but doesn’t replace thinking, and AI output is treated as unvetted source material. As the organization notes, "AI should augment human judgment, not replace it." This means that while AI can be used to handle rote tasks, it should not be used as a crutch that weakens core competencies. The Dispatch encourages the use of AI tools to free up time for higher-value work, but discourages the use of AI as a substitute for critical thinking.
Prohibited Uses of AI
The Dispatch has also identified certain uses of AI that are not permitted. These include generating publishable content, structural outsourcing, outsourcing critical thinking, and wholly AI-generated art. For example, writers are not allowed to ask AI to "improve" or "make better" a draft in ways that let the AI reshape their argument or voice. Additionally, AI cannot be used to manipulate audio or video, or to publish AI-generated images as reality. As the organization states, "We do not use AI-generated images as article/newsletter art or in logos and branding. Designers and artists may use AI-enhanced tools (like Adobe’s AI features) as part of their creative process, but the output should reflect human creative direction."
Guidelines for Freelance Contributors
The same core principles that apply to members of The Dispatch staff also hold true for freelance writers, commissioned contributors, and contractors producing work for The Dispatch. AI can assist with research, transcription, and similar tasks, but cannot be used to generate publishable content. Freelance contributors are responsible for the accuracy, originality, and voice of the work they submit, and should ask their assigning editor if they are unsure whether a particular use of AI is appropriate. As the organization notes, "If a freelancer is unsure whether a particular use of AI is appropriate for a commissioned piece, he or she should ask their assigning editor before submission."
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Dispatch is committed to using AI in a way that augments human judgment, not replaces it. The organization has established clear guidelines and principles for AI use, and is dedicated to maintaining the trust of its readers and listeners. By being transparent about its use of AI and ensuring that human journalists and contributors are always in the driver’s seat, The Dispatch is able to provide high-quality content that is accurate, original, and trustworthy. As the organization states, "We won’t categorically rule out tools that can help us deliver those readers and listeners better—and more—work."