Dawn’s AI gaffe highlights challenges, not the collapse of journalism
JournalismPakistan.com | Published last month | JP Special Report
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Dawn’s AI editing mistake drew criticism, but journalists and media experts defend the paper, highlighting staff shortages, editorial pressures, and the importance of press independence.Summary
ISLAMABAD — Dawn’s AI editing mishap in a November 12 business story has drawn wide attention on social media, but it does not point to a collapsing newsroom. Rather, it reflects the pressures on a publication that has stayed independent by refusing to trade its editorial judgment for government ad money.
The story, which mistakenly included an AI prompt, went viral, prompting reactions from journalists, media experts, and social media users. While some criticism was sharp, many in the media community emphasized the broader context of Dawn’s challenges.
Reactions from media professionals
Journalist Urooj Imran, a former Dawn staffer, noted on LinkedIn that the mistake is understandable given the current newsroom setup. “From what I know, Dawn only has one person editing business stories for the paper. They must (understandably) be exhausted. Yes, the mistake should never have been made. Someone along the line should've noticed it before it went to print. But is it unforgivable? No,” she wrote. Imran emphasized that the use of AI in journalism is not inherently harmful, provided proper policies and fact-checking are in place.
Habibullah Khan of Strategic Communications and Information Integrity added that the workforce reductions, including the recent firing of more than 30 journalists, have intensified editorial pressures. “Maybe should have kept a few subeditors on who can at least catch this when the reporter does not,” he said.
Other media professionals echoed similar sentiments. Azfar Nizami, Executive Director of The Express Media Group, reminded readers that “errors do happen, we are all human at the end of the day.” Multimedia producer Sobia Shahid remarked, “welcome to the era of AI but like this!?? wasn’t expecting this from Dawn.com.” Journalist Tazmeen Javed highlighted the pressures facing media workers today, noting that amplified criticism of minor mistakes can jeopardize newsroom morale in an already insecure environment.
Broader pressures on newsrooms
The incident underscores the balancing act facing Pakistani newspapers: embracing new technologies like AI while managing shrinking staff and tight budgets. Observers argue that Dawn’s swift acknowledgment of the error and transparent handling of the situation reflect professionalism, not incompetence.
PHOTO: AI-generated
KEY POINTS:
- Dawn accidentally published an AI editing prompt in a business story on November 12, drawing social media attention.
- Journalists and media experts emphasize the error reflects staff shortages and newsroom pressures, not a failure of editorial standards.
- Dawn has maintained editorial independence in Pakistan, avoiding government advertising influence.
- The incident has sparked a broader discussion on the responsible use of AI in journalism.
- Experts say transparency, proper AI policies, and fact-checking are crucial to maintaining credibility.
