AI-Generated News and the Challenge of Disinformation in the 2024 Elections

Adapting to Advanced Media Landscapes and Election Complexities in Crisis Communication

Dear reader,

In 2024, we're not just getting ready for a big election year but also for the increasing use of AI in our newsrooms.

Imagine this: 40 elections around the globe, affecting life in countries that account for almost half of the world’s economy. And now comes the latest twist: Channel 1's AI-generated news anchors are ready to redefine news as we know it.

Let’s see what this means for crisis and emergency communicators.

Enjoy!

AI in News Broadcasting:

Let's dive into the heart of this change: the arrival of AI-generated news anchors, “thanks to” Channel 1.

Imagine turning on your news and being greeted by a digital newsreader, someone who's not just reading the news but is the news in a way. These AI anchors can speak your language, adapt to your preferences, and even bring a bit of humor to the table.

It's not just about reading what's happening in the world; it's about experiencing news tailored just for you. This isn't a glimpse into the future; it's reality knocking at our doors, ready to transform how we consume news every day.

Below is their most recent video demonstrating the concept.

Now, this is not new, and Channel 1’s plan to function as a “global news network” is far from solid. They don’t have a decent website and have only published a few posts on X since joining in July.

However, if you do a search on AI news anchors, then you will see that many countries and real TV networks are launching their AI programmes at a rapid pace.

Impact on democracy and disinformation:

While AI newsreaders promise to revolutionise the way we consume news, they also bring with them concerns, particularly in relation to the 2024 elections, and the organised and sophisticated nature of the disinformation industry makes it imperative to take these technological advances with a grain of salt.

As Shayoni Lynn's article shows, disinformation poses a significant threat to democratic processes, and the rapid growth of AI could potentially accelerate the spread of misinformation.

Implications for crisis communication:

The transition to AI-driven news could impact public perception and responsiveness in emergencies. The personalisation of news content raises the question of consistency in the dissemination of critical information.

In addition, the ability of AI to quickly analyse and present data could lead to rapid, but possibly less nuanced, crisis communication.

Public response in emergencies:

People affected by emergencies rely on timely and trustworthy information. The AI model's ability to generate news quickly is beneficial, but its lack of human empathy and context-sensitive reporting could affect the public's response.

Trust in AI-powered advice and instructions during a crisis may falter, reflecting concerns about the authenticity and reliability of AI-powered content.

This last point - will audiences trust AI-generated risk communication advise and guidance - is a potential topic for research. I am currently looking to see if we can set up a project, together with colleagues from the Crisis Communication Think Tank.

Our challenges as crisis and emergency communicators.

  • Dealing with disinformation: Given the major threat of disinformation, especially in election times, communicators need to be vigilant. The role of AI in message generation could exacerbate misinformation if not carefully managed.

  • Message consistency: It is important that AI-generated news platforms disseminate consistent and accurate messages, particularly when it comes to communicating emergency protocols or political developments.

  • Build trust: Building trust in AI-generated news is especially important in crisis scenarios where timely and reliable information is critical.

Some recommendations:

  1. Work with AI news platforms to influence the accuracy and presentation of content, especially for election and crisis-related news.

  2. Monitor and proactively address disinformation, particularly AI-generated content, to maintain public trust.

  3. Train teams to use AI tools skillfully to respond quickly while ensuring human oversight for contextualised and empathetic communication.

What’s next, then?

As we look ahead to 2024, I have the feeling that we're on the cusp of something big. Imagine a year full of elections around the globe, each one a potential turning point.

And in the middle of this whirlwind, there's a game changer: AI-generated news. It's more than just a new trend; it's a tidal wave sweeping the media world.

For those of us working in crisis and emergency communications, it's like the ground is shifting beneath our feet. Our set of rules for media work and messaging? It's due for a major overhaul.

We're not just adapting our strategies; we're redesigning them from the ground up. This is the moment when we need to be nimble, think fast and navigate these exciting, uncharted waters with a keen eye and an open mind.

What do you think?

What I am reading/testing/checking out:

  • Winter Weather - a Winter weather preparedness checklist.

  • Naas.ai: an open alternative to ChatGPT you can truly customize to your own needs.

  • SWRCC: The University at Albany is launching a first-of-its-kind New York State Weather Risk Communication Center (SWRCC).

Did you check out my crisis and emergency communication resources yet? You can download templates, checklists, and guidance on this page. You will find tools such as a Crisis Communication Plan Template, The Audience Canvas for Emergency Communication, and much more.

Podcast Episode

How satisfied were you with the content in this edition? 📚

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

A Quick Note on How I Create Content for Wag The Dog

I value transparency, so it's crucial for you to know that although AI assists me in drafting, I personally review and edit each article to guarantee its authenticity.

PS: I hope you've enjoyed this newsletter! Creating it each day is a labour of love that I provide for free. If you've found my writing valuable, the best way to support it is by sharing it with others. Please click the share links below to spread the word with your friends and colleagues; it would mean so much to me. Thank you for reading!

Reply

or to participate.