Next30ATL AI Transparency Statement

Artificial intelligence is changing the way information is gathered, organized and produced. At Next30ATL, we believe AI can be a useful tool for journalism, but it should never replace human judgment, experience, accountability or authorship.

 

Every story published by Next30ATL is written and reviewed by a human. We may use AI-powered tools during the reporting and writing process, much as journalists have long used search engines, databases, transcription software, spell-checkers and other technologies to work more efficiently. But AI does not decide what we publish, what we believe is important or what conclusions our journalism reaches.

 

We primarily use artificial intelligence in three areas:

 

Research. AI can help us identify potential sources, locate reports and studies, summarize large amounts of publicly available information, develop background information and suggest additional questions worth investigating. AI-generated information is not automatically treated as fact. Whenever possible, important facts, statistics, quotations and claims are checked against original documents, reputable news organizations, government sources, academic research or knowledgeable individuals.

 

Idea generation. AI can serve as a brainstorming tool. We may use it to help identify story angles, potential topics, questions our readers might have or aspects of an issue that deserve additional attention. The decision about whether an idea is relevant to Next30ATL readers—and whether it is worth pursuing—is made by a human editor.

 

Story organization and structure. Writers may use AI tools to explore ways to organize complicated material, develop outlines, identify gaps in a draft, suggest possible headlines or make a story clearer and easier to follow. AI may also be used as an editing aid. The writer or editor remains responsible for the final language, tone, facts and presentation of every story.

 

Our goal is not to use AI to produce more content simply because we can. Our goal is to use technology where it can help us produce better, more useful journalism for adults 50+ in metro Atlanta and the people who care about them.

 

We also recognize the limitations of artificial intelligence. AI systems can make mistakes, misunderstand context, reproduce biases or confidently provide information that is inaccurate. That is why human oversight is essential. We do not consider an AI-generated answer to be a substitute for reporting or verification.

 

When a story depends substantially on AI-generated material in a way that readers should know about, we will disclose that use when appropriate. We will also continue to evaluate our AI practices as the technology and standards surrounding it evolve.

 

Ultimately, accountability rests with Next30ATL—not with a software program. If we publish something that is wrong, misleading or unclear, the responsibility is ours.

 

AI may help us do the work. Humans do the journalism.