August 9, 2023
Reliability and Accuracy of AI Questioned as New Tech Takes Over
Speculation and uncertainty around AI is raising anxiety in communications circles. Google and OpenAI are courting media organizations with offers to leverage the emerging technology, while digital news platforms have already begun using generative AI to create content. G/O Media has faced significant backlash from staff protesting the company’s trial of publishing AI-authored content for its online outlets.
Recent polling data provide insight on PR and marketing perceptions of AI. Respondents of a new Ragan Communications survey cited misinformation and legal uncertainties as the top concerns of professionals. Widespread reports of AI chatbots ‘hallucinating’—confidently delivering falsehoods—has raised concerns about large language models producing reliable content.
Recent Rulings and Regulations Impact Public Relations
Sweeping changes in legal and regulatory policies are impacting communications and information dissemination. The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent rulings on affirmative action, fair use, and online liability all have substantial implications for communicators, from reputation management to mitigating misinformation.
Federal legislation has been introduced that would prevent utilities from recovering public relations and political expenses from ratepayers. Tech companies continue sparring with news outlets over advertising. Meta is blocking news content on its platforms in Canada following the passage of the Online News Act—legislation addressing news outlets’ declining advertising revenue.
Traditional News Outlets Shed Subscribers Amidst News Avoidance
News platforms are struggling to attract and retain subscribers during a tumultuous time for media companies. Growing numbers of people are ignoring news coverage, with research revealing nearly 40% of U.S. respondents sometimes or often avoiding news. The Reuters Institute research also show increasing numbers disengaging from political news.
Despite declining digital-only subscribers, Gannett is reporting higher revenue from increasing subscriber costs. A new study shows that when news outlets have temporarily suspended paywalls, visitors are more likely to subscribe once restrictions are reinstated. More users are foregoing traditional subscriptions in favor of news aggregators like Apple, which recently surpassed one billion paid subscribers across all services.
Sequence Summaries: AI Anxiety, Policy Protocols, and Shedding Subscribers
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