In addition to AI, Harwell has reported on social media platforms and the creator economy, arguing that it deserves more attention and respect. He suggests that journalists and news outlets can learn from content creators who establish relationships with audiences that are not dependent on individual platforms. Harwell himself has experienced the instability of social media platforms, leading him to create his own newsletter for direct distribution to subscribers.
Key takeaways:
- Washington Post reporter Drew Harwell believes that while AI has its flaws, it can be used to augment journalism, such as translating stories into different languages or automatically generating transcripts for podcasts.
- Harwell warns of the dangers of AI-generated content, citing instances of plagiarism and inaccuracies, and calls for a clearer framework of what is acceptable in AI use.
- Harwell also covers the creator economy, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting the work of content creators who are essentially media businesses.
- Harwell suggests that journalists and news outlets can learn from content creators in establishing relationships with audiences that are not dependent on individual platforms, and stresses the importance of owning their work rather than depending on other platforms.