Intelligent Machines (Audio) IM 825: The Evil Clown of Middletown - Death By Powerpoint
9 snips
Jun 26, 2025 
In this discussion, Richard Gingras, the former VP of News at Google, delves into the evolving landscape of journalism and the challenges posed by AI. He shares insights on how AI can both enhance and threaten traditional news media, exploring topics like copyright issues and the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI-generated content. The conversation lightens with humorous takes on the quirks of technology, including the notorious Evil Clown of Middletown, and ends on a thought-provoking note about the future of human connections in an AI-driven world.
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News Trust Crisis Is Complex
- The news industry is fragmented and polarized, worsened by the internet era and cable TV.
- Trust in news requires rethinking approaches beyond just media literacy; audiences can discern quality sources.
Use AI to Empower Journalism
- Newsrooms should leverage AI to gain superpowers for better journalism rather than just cut costs.
- Use AI for research, asking new questions, and analyzing large data sets to uncover stories.
Adapt and Adopt AI Tools
- Embrace AI tools to boost quality and adapt to new skills rather than fearing job loss.
- Journalists should adopt AI technologies to improve careers and produce great journalism.
