AI Disclosure in Journalism: New Report Highlights Challenges and Opportunities

A landmark document examining key issues into how the media industry is grappling with the challenges of explaining how it's using AI in its publications and broadcasts has been published. Titled "If, When and How to Communicate Journalistic Uses of AI to the Public: Considerations and Next Steps", it explores questions of trust, accountability, and the development of effective ways of showing where and how AI is used in content creation. The report follows the forum organised by Thomson and CNTI in Brussels in October.

With insights from global experts across journalism, technology, and policy, the findings reveal a growing demand for transparency, but also highlight the nuanced challenges in defining how to achieve it. “We were thrilled with the quality of insights and conversation during this CNTI/Thomson Talks collaboration on the tricky topic of disclosure around the use of AI to audiences,” said Thomson’s Chief Executive Caro Kriel. “The expertise in the room was extensive, and the debate robust, resulting in meaningful take-aways in the CNTI report. We look forward to more collaborations pushing the debate around AI and media forward.”

Key themes in the report include:

• Building a framework to categorise AI usage in newsrooms.
• Addressing public perceptions of AI and ensuring meaningful disclosure.
• Learning from other industries' approaches to transparency and labelling.
• Preparing journalists to use and explain AI tools effectively.

The document emphasises the importance of industry collaboration and outlines steps toward standardising practices that safeguard journalistic integrity while fostering public trust in AI-enhanced reporting. “AI has the capability to enhance and transform the news industry, but it is critical that necessary safeguards are in place to enhance the benefits and mitigate the risks of technology,” said CNTI Executive Director Amy Mitchell. “Continued research and cross-industry collaboration on AI transparency is more necessary than ever to strengthen the public’s trust in journalism.”

To read the full report, please click here.