The media landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, facing challenges from artificial intelligence, declining readership, and shifting content creation dynamics. Recent events highlight a growing vulnerability to deception and a potential reshaping of how news is produced and consumed.
AI and the Erosion of Trust
A case in Toronto brought to light the potential for AI-assisted fraud in journalism. In September, editor Nicholas Hune-Brown at The Local received a pitch from a freelancer, Victoria Goldiee, for a story on healthcare privatization. Hune-Brown discovered Goldiee had fabricated quotes in previous work—including quotes from individuals who seemingly did not exist—and suspected the use of AI in both article creation and the initial pitch. Goldiee had also misrepresented her location.
This incident is not necessarily indicative of a widespread wave of AI-driven deception, as the financial incentives for such activity may be limited. However, it foreshadows a future where distinguishing between human-generated and AI-generated content will become increasingly difficult. The Washington Post’s recent launch of “Your Personal Podcast,” which utilizes “Ask the Post AI technology,” further blurs this line, allowing users to create customized news summaries delivered by an AI voice.
Shifting Content Creation and Consumption
Beyond AI-driven fraud, the source notes a trend of content creators on streaming platforms, such as Adin Ross and the Nelk Boys, increasingly engaging with political topics, specifically focusing on Gaza. This “politicsmaxxing,” as it’s been termed, appears driven by algorithmic incentives and may be fleeting, shifting with platform trends.
Expert Insight:
Simultaneously, traditional news outlets are facing a significant decline in readership. According to a report released in October by Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, monthly page views for the hundred largest newspapers in the country have dropped by forty-five per cent over the past four years. The number of “news deserts”—areas lacking consistent local reporting—continues to grow, with over 130 newspapers closing in 2025, mirroring the previous year’s losses.
What Might Come Next
If current trends continue, we could see a proliferation of AI-generated content, including in popular genres like true crime. News organizations may increasingly rely on AI to personalize news delivery, potentially at the cost of human oversight and journalistic integrity. The future of local news remains uncertain, with no clear solutions emerging to address declining readership and the closure of local publications. It is possible that demand for local news is lower than previously thought, or that audiences will support efforts to integrate local reporting into their daily online routines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Victoria Goldiee accused of doing?
Victoria Goldiee was accused of fabricating quotes in her articles, sometimes from people who did not appear to exist, and of using AI to write both her articles and her pitches to editors. She also misrepresented her location.
What is “Your Personal Podcast”?
“Your Personal Podcast” is a new audio product launched by the Washington Post that allows users to customize a daily news summary by selecting their preferred hosts, topics, and even asking questions using AI technology.
What is happening to local news?
Local news is in decline, with monthly page views for the hundred largest newspapers down forty-five per cent in the past four years. Over 130 newspapers have closed in 2025, contributing to a growing number of “news deserts” across the country.
As news consumption evolves, how will audiences ensure they are receiving accurate and reliable information?
