OAN’s Use of AI-Generated Images Raises Questions on Media Accuracy
On Wednesday evening, the MAGA-focused cable channel One America News (OAN) aired a segment featuring Department of Defense spokesperson Kingsley Wilson discussing the growth of female service members. As Wilson spoke, three images of women in combat uniforms appeared on screen. However, these images were later revealed to be artificially generated, created using the AI tool Grok, as indicated by visible watermarks.
Wilson highlighted an increase in female enlistment numbers, citing 16,000 enlistees under the previous administration versus more than 24,000 currently. She credited Defense Secretary Hegseth and President Trump for this growth. Although the Pentagon did not release detailed recruitment data, Fox News was reportedly informed of similar figures.
Response and Accountability
CNN reached out to the Department of Defense to clarify whether the images were provided by them and if there is a policy on AI-generated content. In response, host Matt Gaetz admitted, “We made a mistake.” He clarified that the AI-generated images were used as part of OAN’s B-roll footage but were not supplied by the Department of Defense. Gaetz promised a more cautious approach moving forward.
Context on OAN’s Position
OAN, launched in 2013, quickly became known for its conspiracy-driven, MAGA-aligned coverage during the Trump administration. It gained significant attention by promoting claims of election fraud in 2020 and settled multiple defamation lawsuits related to those claims. Despite losing distribution on DirecTV in 2022 and experiencing declines in viewership and revenue, the channel received a boost earlier this year when Kari Lake, Trump’s pick for Voice of America leadership, announced that OAN would provide news-feed services to VOA and other U.S.-funded broadcasters.
Lessons for PR and Communications Professionals
This incident underscores the critical need for verifying sources and ensuring accuracy, especially when covering sensitive topics such as military personnel and defense data. The use of AI-generated visuals without clear disclosure risks damaging credibility and misleading audiences. Media outlets with political leanings must be particularly vigilant to maintain trust and integrity.
Clear policies on AI-generated content and rigorous fact-checking protocols should be standard practice. Missteps like this highlight the potential pitfalls when AI tools are incorporated into news production without adequate oversight.
Additional Developments to Watch
- Ukraine’s Defense Minister Denis Shmyhal announced the introduction of body cameras at territorial recruitment centers starting September 1 to enhance transparency in military summons delivery.
- Elon Musk’s xAI recently launched Baby Grok, an AI-powered children’s app, amid ongoing controversies surrounding Grok’s chatbot making offensive comments.
- An internal Meta document revealed controversial AI chatbot guidelines permitting harmful content, prompting company reviews and calls for stricter ethical standards.
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