Humans should write the news: what BoiseDev's AI policy means for writers
AI will touch every corner of publishing. That's not a warning. It's a prompt to get clear on what work stays human-and where machines actually help.
BoiseDev and Valley Lookout put stakes in the ground: reporters write the stories. AI can assist research and production, but it doesn't write the news. If you're a writer or editor, there's a lot here you can borrow.
The core principle
Humans write for humans. That's the non-negotiable. Voice, context, and accountability sit with the reporter, not a model.
What BoiseDev will and won't do
- No AI-written news copy. Not whole articles, not paragraphs, not "light touches."
- AI as an assistant only. Use it to analyze documents, sift databases, transcribe calls or hearings, summarize long records, and spot leads.
- Clear disclosure. If AI meaningfully informs reporting, note it in the story.
- Labeled visuals. AI-created graphics get explicit labels.
- Editing tools are fair game. Spellcheck and grammar aids can flag issues; an editor decides.
- Policy can evolve. Changes happen in public, with transparency to readers and staff.
- Ad exception. These rules don't apply to advertising materials.
Why this matters for writers
- Trust. Readers can feel the difference between lived context and stitched text.
- Attribution. A reporter earns trust by citing sources and verifying claims. A model can't hold that responsibility.
- Originality. Your voice is the product. Outsource it and you compete on volume, not value.
Case study: AI as a research assistant
During Rite Aid's bankruptcy, a BoiseDev reporter had puzzle pieces: store signage, a permit trail, and a phone confirmation about a closure. The gap was buried in court filings that bundled many stores.
A chatbot helped locate a key line: the building's owner objected to transferring the site to CVS. That lead was verified against the original filing, then woven with on-the-ground reporting and archival notes. The story was written by a person. The tool surfaced a needle; a human built the narrative.
What to avoid
- Ghostwriting by AI. Don't let models draft news copy. Even "first passes" leak style and phrasing you didn't earn.
- Unlabeled use. If AI materially shaped the reporting, say so.
- Plagiarism via automation. Spinning someone else's work through a chatbot is still theft.
- Ungrounded claims. Models fabricate. Always verify with documents, calls, and firsthand reporting.
Headline pledge: accuracy over clickbait
BoiseDev calls it out directly: headlines should reflect the story. Clever is fine; misleading isn't. For writers, that's a simple rule-match intent, set expectations, and deliver.
A practical policy you can adapt
- Write your non-negotiable. "Humans write the news. AI assists research and production." Put it in your style guide.
- Define approved use. Research synthesis, doc search, transcription, data exploration, and draft outlines are OK. Writing copy is not.
- Set disclosure rules. Add a one-line note when AI materially aids reporting or analysis.
- Label AI visuals. Keep it obvious for readers.
- Build a verification loop. Every AI-sourced lead must be traced to original documents or direct confirmation.
- Protect your voice. Keep a house style. Editors enforce tone, structure, and rhythm.
- Log your steps. Save sources, prompts, and citations. Make review easy.
- Review quarterly. Update the policy in public. Note what changed and why.
Context: when this shift started
ChatGPT's public release in late 2022 pushed AI into the newsroom conversation overnight. Many shops leaned into efficiency; some crossed lines with unlabeled or derivative copy. BoiseDev chose clarity and reader trust instead.
See the original ChatGPT release
If you're a writer, steal the process-keep the craft
Use AI to speed the grunt work: find filings, summarize transcripts, surface patterns. Then do what only you can do: call, confirm, connect dots, write with judgment, and accept the responsibility that comes with a byline.
That's the line BoiseDev drew. It's a good line for any writer who cares about trust, long-term career value, and work they're proud to sign.
Want structured practice with AI (without losing your voice)?
Explore practical courses for your role so you can use tools for research and workflow-not for replacing your writing. Start here: AI courses by job.
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