Chicago Sun-Times: AI Generated Book Titles

The Chicago Sun-Times has admitted that its summer book guide included several AI-generated titles that don't exist. The newspaper said that the list, “Heat Index: Your Guide to the Best of Summer,” was created using an AI tool by a freelancer working for a third-party company.

Melissa Bell, chief executive of Chicago Public Media, which runs the newspaper, stated that they are investigating the accuracy of other content in the special section. The newspaper recently cut 20% of its staff.

AI's Impact on Journalism

The AI error comes as industries such as journalism worry that AI could take over jobs held by people. While AI has improved, it isn't perfect and can create fictional or inaccurate information. Some organizations use AI in fields like health care, education, and marketing. But some consumers don't trust AI. All journalism, including AI, needs fact-checking.

Fake Books and Real Authors

While several of the books listed by the Sun-Times are not real, the authors attributed to them are. For example, Isabel Allende is credited with “Tidewater Dreams,” which does not exist. Rebecca Makkai is credited with the fake book “Boiling Point,” and Min Jin Lee is listed as the author of “NightShade Market,” which isn't real. Some real books, like André Aciman’s “Call Me By Your Name,” were also on the list.

Response and Review

A spokesperson for the Sun-Times directed NBC News to Bell's statement on the paper's website. Bell said the list came from distributor King Features, a company the paper regularly partners with for content. King Features said that a freelancer used AI in the supplement's story development without telling them. They are ending their relationship with the freelancer and regret the incident. At least one other paper, The Philadelphia Inquirer, used the list with AI-generated book titles.

The Sun-Times has removed the list from its digital publication and is reviewing its relationship with third-party contractors. The paper will now identify when content comes from a third-party distributor.