Journalism faces challenges with declining public trust due to biases in reporting. AI tools, particularly the NBxAI project from the University of Malta, aim to combat these biases by providing resources that enhance fairness and transparency in news coverage. News Align, a key feature of this project, helps journalists detect bias in news visuals and content.
The landscape of journalism is fraught with challenges, and public confidence in the media continues to wane. Many factors contribute to this decline, including lapses in reporting and the pressure from shrinking resources. However, the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers promising solutions to restore integrity and balance in journalism.
AI can streamline routine tasks, freeing journalists to produce more nuanced and well-researched stories. Researchers at the University of Malta are examining how AI can expose and combat biases within news reporting. One notable project, NBxAI, focuses on visual bias and equips journalists with tools to enhance fairness in their work.
Gabriel Hili, a key researcher in this endeavor, highlights various biases in journalism, often born from time constraints rather than malice. He believes the increasing demands on newsrooms lead to overlooked biases. Insights gained from conversations with seasoned journalists have informed the development of AI tools aimed at rectifying these issues.
The NBxAI project’s standout feature, News Align, works as a specialized news aggregator for Maltese media, enabling users to compare how different outlets report the same story. Unlike typical aggregators, News Align highlights variations not just in text but also in imagery, capturing how visual choices can influence public opinion. Additionally, it addresses unintentional bias from the visual representation of events.
News Align is still evolving but includes an AI chatbot that contextualizes news stories by drawing from various local sources, helping to mitigate bias from a single viewpoint. The tool functions through a continually refreshed database of Maltese news articles, ensuring accuracy and relevance in its reporting.
The system also learns from user interaction, gradually enhancing its accuracy with increased usage. Starting with human-generated feedback, the project has achieved about 64% accuracy, with plans to incorporate advanced features like facial recognition, improving the identification of key figures in news visuals.
Further AI projects are underway, such as a system to monitor airtime for individuals in news broadcasts and research into readers’ visual attention. This includes collaborative efforts with media professionals to ensure that developed tools suitably address real-world challenges journalists face.
Engagement with industry figures has already shown positive results, paving the way for deeper insights into journalistic needs. Hili underscores the value of direct feedback from journalists in shaping helpful AI tools that can thrive in real newsrooms.
Ultimately, AI could be a transformative ally for journalism, guiding efforts to tackle both intentional and unintentional bias. Projects like News Align not only aim to create fairer reporting but also empower readers to discern the quality of the news they consume. As this research evolves, it signifies a renaissance in journalistic integrity and public trust.
Neil Camilleri, a freelance journalist and former Editor-in-Chief, serves as an advisor on the AIxNB initiative, underscoring the commitment to ethical use of technology in media for a more trustworthy future.
In the face of declining public trust, journalism grapples with issues like inadequate resources, resulting in biased or flawed reporting. AI emerges as a potential remedy, enabling more focused, fair journalism. The University of Malta’s innovative projects explore AI’s role in identifying biases and improving media integrity.
The integration of AI in journalism, exemplified by projects like News Align, holds the potential to significantly enhance reporting standards by identifying biases and promoting equity in media. As these AI tools evolve, they promise to empower journalists and consumers alike, rejuvenating trust in the media landscape.
Original Source: timesofmalta.com
