L.A. Times Owner Adds Bias Meter, AI-Generated Copy On Articles, Drawing Criticism From Guild

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Once more, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, proprietor of the Los Angeles Times, has sparked discussions among the newspaper’s team by implementing a new AI-driven tool designed to evaluate articles based on their political leanings.

On Monday, the chairperson of Los Angeles’ leading newspaper revealed the new “LA Times Insights” tool in a letter to readers, alongside other editorial adjustments. This feature, as shown in several articles published on the paper’s website on Monday, categorizes an article’s stance along the political spectrum (an opinion piece advocating for A.I. disclosure in documentaries was labeled “center-left”; another criticizing the American conservative movement for associating with the Tate brothers was classified as “right”). Additionally, it provides a summary of the article’s viewpoint and presents alternative perspectives on the topic by offering links to other news articles or blog posts.

Insights aims to provide readers with an easily accessible platform that showcases multiple AI-enhanced viewpoints, along with the opinions presented in each article. I am convinced that offering diverse perspectives aligns with our journalistic goals, helping readers understand and engage with the challenges our nation is facing.

The “Insights” feature will now be exclusively associated with articles categorized as “Voices,” which are pieces expressing opinions or perspectives. These changes aim to clarify the distinction between opinion pieces and news reporting, as explained by the paper’s owner. In his words, “Any article that advocates a viewpoint or is written subjectively will be labeled ‘Voices,'” regardless of whether it’s an opinion piece, film review, or commentary on current events.

According to Matt Hamilton, vice chair of the L.A. Times Guild’s union, they endorse measures that aid readers in distinguishing between media and opinion pieces versus news reports. However, Hamilton expressed concerns that using AI-generated analysis without editorial oversight might not boost media trust. Instead, he fears it could potentially undermine confidence in the news even more. Moreover, Hamilton pointed out that the funds allocated for this project could have been used to bolster our frontline journalists who haven’t received a cost-of-living raise since 2021.

Soon-Shiong’s letter to readers on Monday noted that errors may be produced as a result of the Insights feature. “AI is an experimental, evolving technology. If you see an error, please report it on the Insights page,” the letter stated.

Soon-Shiong has been talking about creating this kind of tool since at least the end of last year. In fact, he mentioned that his team was developing a “bias detector” or “bias meter.

Conflicts between Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, who acquired the Times in 2018, and the newspaper’s staff have been apparent since last year, with top editor Kevin Merida departing. However, tensions reached a boiling point in late October when it was disclosed that Dr. Soon-Shiong decided not to endorse any presidential candidate for the 2024 election, leading to three editorial board members resigning.

Since then, Soon-Shiong seems to be actively pushing for a transformation of the newspaper. In November, he appeared on Fox News, expressing his intention to steer the publication towards reflecting diverse viewpoints, even inviting conservative CNN commentator Scott Jennings to join their editorial team (Jennings currently provides articles for the paper). Lately, a buyout has resulted in reduced staff at the newspaper. Carla Hall, a former member of the editorial board who was the last one remaining before she departed, accepted the offer and left.

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2025-03-04 02:54