In this episode we delve into the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence and public information: is AI a friend or is it a foe? This episode features three interviews with experts in the field who will share their insights on various aspects of this topic. Host Paul is joined by guest co-host Ericka Diaz, Media Analyst for the City of Agoura Hills, for this fascinating discussion on all things AI.
You’ll hear from CNET technology expert Brian Cooley for an explanation about AI. Then communications expert Tim O’Brien with O’Brien Communications will discuss the ethical concerns surrounding AI. And lastly, we’ll hear how the City of Santa Clarita’s public information office is putting AI into use, with Carrie Lujan, Communications Manager for the city.
Get ready for a fascinating and robust discussion on AI.
Show Notes
0:00 – Introduction, written and voiced by AI.
1:50 –Brian Cooley provides an overview of generative artificial intelligence and its implications for professional communicators. He discusses examples of how it’s being applied, how it can be used to amplify messaging and incorporated into routine practices, and some potential advantages, limitations, and side-effects to consider when generating and using AI content in daily practice. He also touches on how to incorporate AI to take out the grunt work of some tasks and the future of AI.
17:02 –Tim O’Brien explores the ethical considerations surrounding AI and how it’s being used in government public relations. With AI becoming increasingly prevalent in our daily lives, it’s crucial that we have discussions about how it should be regulated and utilized in a responsible manner.
He addresses questions such as who’s accountable for AI-generated content when something goes wrong? What impacts could AI have on existing jobs and entry-level positions? Is AI bias? How should communicators approach AI/ChatGPT?
32:32 – Carrie Lujan discusses how their public information office is using AI in their operations and the benefits it’s bringing to their work. She talks about how they got their leadership team on-board with using AI as a tool for creating content. She also impresses the importance of fact-checking, quality control, and branding standards before putting AI-generated content out to the public. They go into the good and evil uses of AI on photos and videos and what to be aware of.
