A new survey revealed at NAB Show New York on Wednesday, underscores widespread public concern about artificial intelligence (AI) eroding trust in journalism, with 76% of Americans worried about AI stealing or reproducing local news stories without permission, according to research by OnMessage Inc.
The survey, discussed during the panel “The Future of News: AI, New Revenues and Risks, and the Policy Response,” also found strong public support for legislative action, with 77% favoring a law to make such AI practices illegal and 59% strongly supporting it.
The data highlights a significant lack of trust in AI-generated information, with only 26% of respondents finding it trustworthy, while 68% deem it unreliable. Additionally, 72% believe the federal government should implement guardrails to protect consumers from AI’s potential misuse in media.
The panel also addressed the economic pressures AI imposes on local newsrooms, including shrinking margins, high production costs, and content misappropriation by AI systems, which jeopardize the sustainability of fact-based, community-focused journalism.
LeGeyt stressed the need for a national dialogue to ensure AI supports, rather than exploits, local journalism and for policies that allow broadcasters to fairly negotiate terms with AI platforms. The conversation at NAB Show New York signals the start of broader efforts to address these challenges and protect the credibility of local news.