Gray Media's national investigative team, InvestigateTV, in partnership with local Gray news stations, has launched a comprehensive multiplatform initiative called "Manipulated: A Disinformation Nation. " This ambitious project seeks to uncover and analyze the often hidden and significant impacts artificial intelligence (AI) has on daily life, with a particular focus on AI’s role in spreading disinformation. The series aims to educate audiences about the complexities of AI-generated content, including deepfake videos and digital scams that pose serious threats to individuals and society at large. The "Manipulated: A Disinformation Nation" series will be available across multiple platforms to reach a broad audience. Viewers can watch the reports via streaming apps, the dedicated website investigatetv. com, and Gray Media’s national network. This extensive distribution highlights Gray Media’s dedication to raising awareness about AI’s influence within today’s information environment. By exposing AI-driven celebrity impersonations and fake advertisements made from personal videos, the series draws attention to deceptive technologies that can easily be exploited to mislead the public. The first report in the series, released on August 26, focuses on the dangerous outcomes of deceptive AI content, especially how such misinformation can spur civic unrest. It equips viewers with essential knowledge and tools to identify these scams and harmful materials. The investigative stories examine real-world instances of AI manipulation that have the potential to heighten social tensions and disrupt democratic processes. Importantly, the report not only exposes the issue but also provides practical guidance for individuals to verify the authenticity of content they encounter, helping them avoid deception and manipulation. Following the initial report, local Gray news stations will further explore AI’s growing presence in various societal sectors, including government, healthcare, and education.

These detailed local investigations will reveal how AI is reshaping these fields while also spotlighting associated risks and ethical challenges. This multifaceted approach ensures the public gains a nuanced understanding of AI’s impact—acknowledging both its dangers and its potential to drive innovation and improvements across different domains. To boost viewer engagement and learning, InvestigateTV has created an interactive webpage dedicated to the project. This online portal features educational videos that simplify complex AI concepts into clear, accessible language. It also includes an interactive game designed to help users distinguish AI-generated images, promoting critical thinking and awareness of how AI alters visual content. Additionally, the webpage offers consumer protection advice to help individuals guard against digital scams and misinformation. Gray Media’s "Manipulated: A Disinformation Nation" delivers a balanced perspective on the AI landscape. While it highlights critical concerns about AI-enabled disinformation and fraud, it equally emphasizes the promising innovations AI technology brings to society. The initiative encourages a responsible, informed approach to AI, motivating viewers to remain vigilant while appreciating the technology’s opportunities. Through thorough investigative journalism, educational tools, and community engagement, Gray Media seeks to empower people nationwide to navigate the complex digital world shaped by artificial intelligence. As AI continues to evolve and influence our lives, projects like "Manipulated: A Disinformation Nation" are vital to cultivating an informed public capable of distinguishing fact from fiction in an increasingly automated era.