AI is not Going to Replace Journalists

At this week’s Round Table, Emmanuel and Inyoo spoke with Russell Chun, an esteemed Associate Professor of Journalism, Media Studies, and Public Relations, recognized for his expertise in multimedia storytelling, design, and data journalism. For the first episode of our Civic Tech Series which will be released occasionally throughout our normal season, we focused on generative AI and journalism, and the impact it has had on our communities locally, nationally, and globally. Russell's research, featured in leading publications like Visual Studies and Visual Communication Quarterly, explores effective data visualization and the evolving landscape of modern communication. As co-editor of "Fake News: Real Issues in Modern Communication" and author of books on Adobe multimedia software, Russell brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion. His insights have shaped academia and influenced major media outlets such as PBS MediaShift and The New York Times. In this episode, Russell shares his fascination with generative AI and its impact on journalism. We delve into the ethical considerations and practical applications of AI amidst challenges posed by big tech and social media. From his tenure at institutions like Columbia University and UC Berkeley to his role in shaping data science curricula, Russell offers a unique perspective on journalism education in practice. As Russell Chun inspires us with his vision for the future of visual communication and media innovation, we deep dive into multimedia storytelling, data journalism, and the ethical dilemmas of AI in journalism. Thanks for listening!