At a prominent session during the NAB Show New York, newly released survey data highlighted considerable public concern about artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential effects on trust in journalism. The session, titled "The Future of News: AI, New Revenues and Risks, and the Policy Response, " convened industry experts and leaders to explore AI’s impact on contemporary news reporting and the challenges it poses for preserving credibility and integrity in journalism. The survey data presented revealed that a significant segment of the public is skeptical about AI’s involvement in news production, fearing it may fuel misinformation and undermine media outlets' reliability. These worries arise amid swift progress in AI technologies capable of creating and distributing news content, prompting questions about the authenticity and accountability of such material. Curtis LeGeyt, President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), stressed the urgency of addressing these issues. He commented, "This data reflects a real and growing anxiety among the public about AI's influence on journalism and the potential for it to erode trust. We must be vigilant in protecting the integrity of our news content and ensuring that AI is used responsibly. " LeGeyt further pointed out issues like the unauthorized scraping of broadcasters’ content, which is then employed to train AI systems without due compensation or recognition. This practice not only affects traditional broadcasters’ revenue streams but also raises ethical and legal questions concerning content ownership and intellectual property rights. Several leading news organizations took part in the panel discussion, sharing insights on how AI is reshaping newsroom operations and the strategies they are adopting to adapt to this changing environment. These organizations are looking for ways to utilize AI to improve reporting accuracy and efficiency while maintaining journalistic standards.

Beyond the technological aspects, the panel examined the business ramifications of AI in news media. Experts discussed new revenue models emerging from AI innovations, as well as risks associated with automated content creation, such as potential job losses and weakening editorial oversight. The discussion also tackled the need for policy frameworks to regulate AI’s role in journalism. Panelists stressed the importance of establishing clear guidelines and regulatory measures that foster innovation while ensuring accountability. This entails transparency about AI’s involvement in content creation and effective approaches to combat misinformation. Overall, the NAB Show New York session highlighted the complexities of integrating AI within the journalism ecosystem. While AI presents valuable tools for enhancing news production and distribution, it also introduces significant challenges that demand cooperative efforts among broadcasters, technology developers, policymakers, and the public. As technological advances continue to reshape the media landscape, maintaining public trust is essential. The insights shared during this session contribute to an ongoing conversation about how to responsibly leverage AI to support accurate and trustworthy journalism.