College Student Withdraws from Cleveland Newsroom Role Over AI Use

Editor says AI tools help identify stories, but humans control all steps of reporting and publishing

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A college student withdrew from consideration for a reporting role at the Cleveland Plain Dealer this week due to concerns over the newspaper's use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Editor Chris Quinn explained that the Plain Dealer has been using powerful AI to help identify stories in surrounding counties, but that humans control every step of the reporting, fact-checking, editing, and publishing process.

Why it matters

The use of AI in journalism is a growing trend, raising questions about the role of technology in news reporting and the level of human oversight. This incident highlights the need for transparency around AI usage and the potential impact on journalists, especially early-career reporters.

The details

Last year, the Plain Dealer began using AI tools to help identify stories in Lorain, Lake and Geauga counties. However, the editor stressed that these are "100 percent reporting" jobs, with an AI rewrite specialist turning reporter material into drafts. All content is fact-checked and reviewed by editors before reporters have the final say.

  • The Plain Dealer began using AI tools to identify stories in surrounding counties last year.
  • A college student withdrew from a reporting role at the Plain Dealer this week due to concerns over the newspaper's AI usage.

The players

Chris Quinn

Editor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Cleveland Plain Dealer

A newspaper serving the Cleveland, Ohio area.

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What they’re saying

“A college student withdrew from consideration for a reporting role in our newsroom this week because of how we use artificial intelligence.”

— Chris Quinn, Editor (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for clear communication and transparency around the use of AI in journalism, as well as the importance of maintaining human oversight and control in the reporting and publishing process.