Fake Towns and Invented Authors: How AI-Generated Stories Are Undermining Journalism

The Rise of AI in Journalism: A Cautionary Tale

Recently, an editor received a pitch about Gravemont, described as “a decommissioned mining town in rural Colorado repurposed into one of the world’s most secretive training grounds for death investigation.” The story had mystery, drama, and a strong narrative potential—perfect for the editor's new newsletter focused on in-depth reporting.

But something didn’t add up. A quick online search revealed no trace of Gravemont. The town simply didn’t exist.

Digging deeper, it turned out the journalist behind the pitch, Margaux Blanchard, had written for several major outlets like Wired and Business Insider. However, those stories also raised suspicions. Many were removed, with editor’s notes citing concerns. One Wired piece featured quotes from people who left no online presence. Business Insider and local outlets also pulled her articles.

The likely truth? “Margaux Blanchard” was a fictitious name, and her stories were probably AI-generated fiction.

Fake Stories and AI: A Growing Problem

Fake news created by AI is becoming more common. A Wyoming newspaper published AI-generated quotes last year, including nonsense words attributed to the governor. The Chicago Sun-Times released a summer reading list featuring books by real authors — but the listed titles were AI inventions.

Even big tech has stumbled. Apple’s AI-driven news notifications once falsely reported the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Where Does This Leave Journalism?

Many editors receive story pitches every day. Spotting a fabricated mining town in Colorado might be easier than spotting a made-up local equivalent near your city—but it’s a wake-up call. AI-generated writing is becoming sophisticated and harder to detect.

Still, AI can play a useful role when used responsibly. It can summarize long documents, transcribe interviews, or help search for information more efficiently than typical internet searches. These time-savers free journalists to focus on deeper reporting.

The Value of Human Reporting

Producing quality journalism requires time, effort, and human connection. A small team dedicated to thorough investigation and face-to-face interviews delivers stories with nuance, context, and trust.

For example, an investigation into the University of Greater Manchester uncovered fraud, triggered police action, and led to the suspension of a vice chancellor. This type of reporting depends on building relationships with sources — something AI can’t replicate.

Another story exposed a man protesting government immigration policy who was himself convicted of people smuggling. It combined on-the-ground reporting with sharp writing, sparking widespread social media attention.

These examples show why relying purely on AI or AI-assisted reporters can’t replace deep investigative work. Producing volume is one thing; producing quality and trust is another.

Supporting Quality Journalism

If you value journalism grounded in human experience and thorough reporting, supporting publications that prioritize this approach is crucial. Small teams working tirelessly to deliver truthful, well-researched stories need backing.

Membership models can help sustain such journalism. For a modest fee, members often gain access to extra content, community discussions, and special events—all while helping keep quality reporting alive.

As AI-generated content floods the media landscape, readers will increasingly appreciate authentic storytelling by skilled journalists who can offer perspective, empathy, and connection.

Final Thoughts for Writers

• Be vigilant about the sources and authenticity of stories you encounter or produce.
• Use AI tools to assist with routine tasks but prioritize original reporting and fact-checking.
• Remember that trust is earned through transparency, verification, and human interaction.
• Consider supporting or joining outlets committed to preserving human-driven journalism.

For writers interested in understanding AI’s role in content creation, exploring reliable AI courses and resources can be helpful. These can provide practical knowledge on how to integrate AI tools responsibly without compromising journalistic integrity. You can find such resources at Complete AI Training.