US Reporter Used AI to Create False Quotes for Stories

An American newspaper reporter has resigned from his job after it was discovered that he used an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to create false quotes for stories.

Aaron Pelczar worked for the Cody Enterprise, a newspaper based in the town of Cody, Wyoming. A reporter from a competing newspaper became suspicious about Pelczar's stories and asked to meet with him. Pelczar admitted to using AI to create parts of stories. He later quit his position with the Enterprise.

The reporter who discovered the AI-assisted stories was CJ Baker. He works for the Powell Tribune, a newspaper in the neighboring town of Powell.

Baker told The Associated Press he discovered several writing examples that made him suspicious about Pelczar's work. He said some of the writing sounded unnatural or robotic. But one part of a story stood out as possibly being false. It was contained in a June 26 article about comedian Larry the Cable Guy being chosen to lead a local parade.

The story ended with a very unusual line that had nothing to do with the story's subject. Rather, it seemed to provide an explanation of the method it used to build the story. The line read, “This structure ensures that the most critical information is presented first, making it easier for readers to grasp the main points quickly.”

Baker, who has been a reporter for more than 15 years, said after reading the story he decided to do additional research on other pieces written by Pelczar. He later decided to set up a meeting with Pelczar to discuss his concerns. He was able to meet with Pelczar and the editor of the Enterprise, Chris Bacon.

Baker wrote an article in his own newspaper about his findings. He described his meeting with Pelczar and Bacon as uncomfortable, but friendly. Baker wrote that when asked about suspicions surrounding his work, Pelczar answered, “Obviously I've never intentionally tried to misquote anybody.”

When asked whether any of the disputed statements in his writings had been by created by an AI tool, Pelczar said, “That could be the case.” Baker said Pelczar then added, “But again, if there are issues I will correct them and issue apologies and say they are misstatements.”

After closely examining Pelczar's articles, Bacon and the publisher of the Enterprise discovered the use of AI and apologized for his actions. In an editorial published recently, Enterprise Editor Chris Bacon admitted he had “failed to catch” the AI-written copy and false quotes. He added that the mistake had permitted AI “to put words that were never spoken into stories.”

Bacon said the Enterprise discovered at least seven stories that included AI-created quotes. Two of the questioned stories included false quotes from Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon.

Bacon said some of the quotes appeared “very believable.” He noted that the people he spoke with during his investigation said the quotes sounded like something they might have said. But they never personally spoke to Pelczar.

Other reporters have had their careers hurt or ended for making up facts or quotes in articles. There are also others who have been accused of plagiarism, which involves a reporter publishing the writings of others without giving those reporters credit for the material.

But media experts say the recent incident involving Pelczar demonstrates the possible dangers that exist when reporters and editors depend on AI tools in the news production process.

Megan Barton is publisher of the Cody Enterprise. She wrote an editorial that described AI as “the new, advanced form of plagiarism and in the field of media and writing.”

Barton noted the newspaper now has a system in place to recognize AI-generated stories and will “have longer conversations about how AI-generated stories are not acceptable.”

I'm Bryan Lynn.

The Associated Press reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for VOA Learning English.

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Words in This Story

quote – n. a written statement of what someone has said

article – n. a piece of writing other than fiction or poetry that forms an independent part of a publication (as a magazine)

grasp – v. to understand something

editor – n. someone who revises and prepares stories or the person who is in charge of a newspaper or other news operation

obvious – adj. easy to see or understand

intentional – adj. something done on purpose

editorial – n. a piece of writing that expresses opinions

plagiarism – n. copying someone else's work or ideas

advanced – adj. having developed or progressed to a late stage

conversation – n. a discussion between two or more people