ASU reporters are paving the future for investigative journalism using AI

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For a line of work often referred to as the Fourth Estate, the role of journalism, the press and news media has been a longstanding pillar of American democracy. Professional journalists and reporters play an important part in holding the powerful accountable — a watchdog relationship that is contingent upon trust with the public and cooperation from public officials.

In today’s media climate, trust and cooperation come at a premium. It’s within that context that students at the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at Arizona State University (ASU) are incorporating generative artificial intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT into their work.

As part of the AI Innovation Challenge — a collaboration between ASU and OpenAI where ChatGPT Edu licenses are provided at no cost to approved projects — 15 students and additional faculty and graduate assistants are using the large language model (LLM) for a variety of investigative reporting techniques.

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