Il Foglio, a leading Italian newspaper, has embarked on a groundbreaking experiment integrating artificial intelligence into journalism under editor Claudio Cerasa. For a month, the paper published a daily four-page insert generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI’s advanced language model. Although the content was AI-produced, human journalists carefully reviewed and edited it to maintain accuracy, coherence, and editorial standards. This transparent labeling of AI-generated pages addressed concerns about AI’s growing role in media and positioned Il Foglio as a pioneer in responsible technology use. The initiative aimed to explore how AI can support, rather than replace, journalists. The experiment demonstrated AI’s value in tasks like summarizing vast information, conducting research, and synthesizing data into clear narratives. This assistance allows journalists to save time on routine work and focus on more creative and complex reporting.

Cerasa emphasized that AI should act as an assistant, managing repetitive duties but lacking the human capacity for original thought, intuition, and nuanced understanding critical for interviews and investigations. Following the trial, Il Foglio committed to regularly including AI-generated content in specific sections such as imagined dialogues and reviews—creative exercises that benefit from AI’s stylistic versatility under editorial supervision. This balanced approach fosters innovation while preserving journalistic integrity and quality. Cerasa also warned against misusing AI for cost-cutting that could reduce staff and degrade journalistic quality, originality, and depth—outcomes detrimental to media credibility and public trust. Il Foglio’s open and thoughtful AI adoption contrasts with other outlets criticized for undisclosed AI content and errors from inadequate oversight, enhancing the newspaper’s credibility and setting a standard for ethical technology integration. In summary, Il Foglio’s pioneering use of AI in journalism exemplifies a constructive path forward. It leverages technology to enhance reporting while safeguarding irreplaceable human qualities like insight and creativity. By balancing innovation and journalistic values, Il Foglio contributes to the evolving discourse on journalism’s future in an AI-driven world and offers a model for news organizations to responsibly navigate both the promises and challenges of artificial intelligence.