By Guy Page
The VTDigger union protested Wednesday against what they say is the possibility, under the new work contract, of replacing human journalists with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“Under VTDigger management’s contract proposal, human journalists can be replaced by Artificial Intelligence to produce the local news you rely on. Now these journalists are fighting back,” said a flyer handed to VDC at noon by reporter and VTDigger Guild member Erin Petenko.
VDC conducted a quick interview with Petenko stating her case for protecting human journalist jobs from AI –
The flyer seeks to enlist the public’s support against “aidigger”. It invites readers to scan a QR code to sign a petition.
In response to an inquiry by VDC, VTDigger Chief Executive Officer Sky Barsch denied any jobs have been lost to AI, but said it’s in use in “limited ways.”
‘We do use AI in limited ways in news production, for example, transcription services and generating photo alt text for screen readers, and all of that is to be reviewed by staff before publication,” Barsh said. “We have not replaced any journalists with AI. Human judgment is central to our journalism.”
News Media nationwide, facing declining revenue, are looking increasingly to AI to write, edit and produce the news. VDC and other Vermont media use AI in varying degrees, with human oversight at all stages of news production.
Founded in 2009 by Anne Galloway as a one-person newsroom, VTDigger has since grown into a statewide news organization employing roughly 30 people, according to its website. Its staff typically includes about two dozen journalists, supported by eight employees working in operations, fundraising, and technology, though staffing levels fluctuate.
It is owned by the nonprofit Vermont Journalism Trust and overseen by a 16-member volunteer board, along with the organization’s CEO, who serves as an ex officio member.
A statement by a national news guild to which VTDigger workers belong states the case against implementing AI in journalism.
“Unionized journalists across North America have come together to sound the alarm: Media companies are implementing artificial intelligence in ways that damage the credibility of the journalism on which you rely.
“AI can be a tool to support journalism, but many news organizations have deployed the technology in unethical ways without a human behind it. This undermines the integrity of journalism and has spread misinformation on topics like abortion, national politics, oil and gas policy, high school sports and product reviews.
“You deserve coverage of the news you care about by human beings. Not AI slop.
“Stand with journalists and media workers to ensure that you continue to receive high quality, accountable reporting. Join the NewsGuild-CWA. Support real journalists, and take the pledge to tell news organizations that you don’t want AI slop in the newsroom.”