US reporter busted for creating fake quotes and stories using AI

An American news reporter is in trouble for using AI to generate fake quotes in recent stories. Wyoming-based Aaron Pelzcar, who is new to the journalism trade, published several suspiciously structured stories, prompting industry seniors to scrutinize the news articles.

The matter came to light following an analysis of stories published by Cody Enterprise, where Pelzcar worked. The analysis was carried out by veteran journalist CJ Baker from the Powell Tribune, a competitor to Enterprise. He found that in some parts, Pelzcar’s articles read like they were plucked directly from AI chatbots like ChatGPT, especially the quotes, Reuters reported.

Reporter’s indiscretions reopen debate about AI in the newsroom

In addition to the content that had sounded alarm bells, the people whose names were attached to the quotes denied ever giving the comments to the reporter. Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon is one of the people Pelzcar claimed to have spoken to.

As reported by Reuters, Gordon’s spokesperson said: “In one case, [Pelczar] wrote a story about a new OSHA rule that included a quote from the Governor that was entirely fabricated.”

In another case, where Pelzcar quoted Gordon, he combined AI-generated copy with the contents of a news release announcing the new director of our Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

When complaints were raised over the approach, the Cody Enterprise editor Chris Bacon said the quotes looked original and did not give him or any member of his team any reason to suspect they may have been fabricated.

Baker claims that Pelczar admitted to using artificial intelligence in his work. The Powell Tribune journalist eventually wrote the story, which has reopened debate in American media on the role of artificial intelligence in the newsroom.

In a damage control editorial story, Bacon took responsibility for failing to flag the suspicious copy. “It matters not that the false quotes were the apparent error of a hurried rookie reporter that trusted AI. It was my job,” the editorial written by Bacon read.

The reporter’s actions pass as plagiarism, which has been a topical issue in journalism. In the face of the revelation, the Cody Enterprise has been working to come up with an AI policy to guide their reporters, building on a concept by the Poynter Institute.

Pelzcar has since resigned from his position after a full review of his work revealed he used AI-generated quotes in seven articles during the two months he worked for Cody Enterprise. Altogether, Pelzcar created fake quotes from six different people.