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A newly launched local news website has admitted to creating fake journalist profiles and using robots to help write content, while defending itself from criticism of its operations.
HTFP revealed last week that the Bournemouth Observer had used photographs from its stock picture archive to illustrate the biographies of 11 “journalists” it claimed to have on staff. Some of the content raised questions about the use of AI after police failed to detect it. Records of his two incidents reported by the site.
Observer boss Paul Giles admitted the profile was not that of a real journalist and was a “false representation”, but said some of the Observer’s articles had been “refined with the help of AI”. He also admitted that
In response to HTFP’s objections, Observer had previously refused to confirm or deny whether the profiles were fake or whether AI was used to create the content.
In an editorial entitled “Bournemouth Observer fights back against media bias” (which appears to have since been deleted), Paul denied posting fictional stories on the site, but added: We employed examples and creative placeholders to infuse it.” Otherwise, it will be left blank. ”
He also hit back at criticism of the site from journalists, claiming he had been the victim of “keyboard bullying by established industry players” after the study was published.
Paul wrote: “Despite the odd mistake, as is inevitable for any publication, from the smallest blog to the largest media conglomerate, the content I’ve shared is about real events and issues. “Fake News’ accusation rings hollow to me.
“It was no surprise that I adopted a pen name for each part of my writing. It seemed like an innocent creative choice, but it received strong criticism and as a result I decided to let go of my alias. .
“But the storm didn’t end there either. When the Times, well, the Times, took an interest in my modest website, I began to see through the smokescreen. The backlash wasn’t about the pseudonym, it was about the AI. It was a fear of
“In the rush to condemn AI, we seem to have forgotten what journalism is all about: the pursuit of truth and the duty to report on community issues.
“The stories I write are refined with the help of AI, but they are fundamentally human. To dismiss these stories as ‘fake’ because they are aided by technology is wrong. , is not only inaccurate, but unjust.
“Like any fast-growing platform, we employed samples and creative placeholders to breathe life into previously blank web pages, thereby encouraging further reader engagement.” is not a groundbreaking practice.”
He also referred to the Observer’s report on an alleged “robbery” at a Tesco supermarket on the outskirts of Southbourne (of which Dorset Police could not find a record), quoting a witness (his wife) and saying that “It felt like we were,” said a friend. In the midst of the infamous Los Angeles riots. ”
He claimed his wife had called both Tesco head office and the local daily Bournemouth Echo about the incident, and left a voicemail message with Dorset Police.
HTFP repeatedly asked Paul for dates, police incident reference numbers, or further evidence that an incident was occurring. Nothing is planned for now.
We have also asked both the Bournemouth Echo and Tesco to confirm whether they have been contacted about such incidents.
Meanwhile, Paul replaced the fake profile of “Esteemed Editor” David Roberts that accompanied the site’s launch with a new generic “Editor” profile drawn in cartoon form.
It says: “Known for their exacting eye for detail, the editors of the Bournemouth Observer embody the essence of journalistic credibility. They consistently distinguish themselves with an incredible talent for accuracy and insight. We deftly navigate layers of information to reveal hidden realities.”
Our original article sparked an industry debate about the use of AI in local news, prompted the Southwest Chapter of the National Union of Journalists to issue a warning about how fake sites steal revenue from genuine regional titles, and raised concerns about the public interest. Led the News Foundation. Director Jonathan Heawood questioned why the publishing industry was investing in AI in the first place.
HTFP asked the Observer for further clarification on the Tesco incident and the use of “creative placeholders” that Paul referred to in his article.
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