Rookie Reporter Resigns Amid AI Misuse Scandal at Cody Enterprise

Resignation of Novice Reporter Amid AI Misuse Scandal

A rookie reporter for the Cody Enterprise, a local newspaper in Wyoming, stepped down from his position earlier this month after being found to have utilized generative artificial intelligence to assist in drafting his articles. This malpractice led to a series of fabricated quotes, as reported by the paper’s editors and various news outlets.

Aaron Pelczar, who had joined the Enterprise in June, resigned on August 2 after the Powell Tribune, a rival publication, confronted him with clear evidence of his misleading reporting practices. CJ Baker, a seasoned staff writer at the Tribune, was the journalist who first uncovered the issue. He explained that he routinely follows competitors like the Enterprise to stay informed about local news.

After Pelczar’s arrival, Baker and his colleagues began to notice certain unusual patterns and phrases in his reporting. There was a distinct awkwardness in the text, which seemed more like an attempt to summarize information rather than convey genuine quotes. Baker, who boasts 15 years of experience in journalism, highlighted a particular incident that fueled his suspicions. In late July, Pelczar published a story that included quotes appearing to be lifted directly from a news release instead of being articulated in a courtroom setting.

Intrigued and concerned, Baker decided to investigate further. He reached out to various government agencies that had been cited in Pelczar’s articles, only to find that they were unaware of the quotes attributed to them. One alarming instance involved a quote that was purportedly from the governor, but it was presented in the context of his role as a rancher rather than as the state’s chief executive. This inconsistency raised red flags and ultimately contributed to the unraveling of Pelczar’s journalistic integrity.