Since its launch in November 2022, ChatGPT—an AI-powered chatbot by OpenAI—has become one of the most discussed tools in media and journalism. Within just two months, the platform gained more than 100 million users, making it one of the fastest-growing technologies in recent years.
ChatGPT’s Role in Newsrooms
News organizations such as AP, Reuters, The Washington Post, BBC, and The New York Times have explored ways to integrate AI tools like ChatGPT to streamline content production, personalize reporting, and improve audience engagement. BuzzFeed has also expressed plans to use ChatGPT for interactive content, such as quizzes.
Jonathan Soma, who leads a data journalism program at Columbia University, described ChatGPT as a “fantastic tool” for generating ideas and assisting journalists. However, he cautioned that AI should complement—not replace—journalists.
“It can produce suggestions, but they are sometimes misleading or inaccurate,” Soma said.
Benefits and Risks of AI in Journalism
ChatGPT shows potential in tasks such as:
- Fact-checking and database analysis
- Generating ideas for coverage
- Personalizing content for audiences
However, its main limitation is accuracy. AI-generated content can sound convincing but still contain factual errors—a phenomenon known as “hallucination.” This raises concerns about bias, misinformation, and over-reliance on automation in the newsroom.
Soma pointed to CNET, a U.S.-based tech site, which published error-prone AI-generated articles despite human editors being involved. He warned that the push for productivity may compromise journalistic standards.
Subscription and Future Use
In early 2023, OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Plus, a paid subscription priced at $20 per month, offering faster responses and priority access to updates. While popular among users, concerns remain about AI’s ethical implications, particularly in industries that rely heavily on accuracy and trust, such as journalism.
Soma concluded that while many journalists fear or misunderstand ChatGPT, experimenting with the tool in controlled settings could help media professionals better recognize both its strengths and limitations.