Journalist Fired for Using AI in Reporting

Aaron Pelczar, a reporter for the Cody Enterprise in Wyoming, was fired after it was discovered that he used artificial intelligence to fabricate quotes and write articles, including one about Larry the Cable Guy's role as the grand marshal of a local parade. The initial suspicions arose from odd quotes attributed to the governor and a prosecutor, as well as robotic-sounding phrases in his articles. Veteran journalist CJ Baker investigated and confirmed Pelczar's use of AI, leading to Pelczar's resignation. The editorial staff at the Cody Enterprise, co-founded by Buffalo Bill Cody, publicly apologized for the oversight and promised to implement measures to prevent similar incidents. Editor Chris Bacon acknowledged that it was his responsibility to catch the errors and expressed regret over the AI-generated content. The scandal highlights the ethical challenges and risks posed by AI in journalism, where fabricated information can easily mislead readers.