West Virginia Explorer embraces new technologies that help our newsroom report more effectively, organize information, and serve readers with greater accuracy and efficiency. Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of many editorial tools available to our journalists, but it does not replace human judgment, reporting, or editorial responsibility.
Every story published by West Virginia Explorer is reviewed and approved by a human editor before publication.
Our Principles
The use of AI in our newsroom is guided by five core principles:
- Accuracy
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Human editorial oversight
- Service to our readers
Technology should enhance journalism, not replace it.
How We Use AI
Artificial intelligence may assist our newsroom in a variety of editorial tasks, including:
- Organizing research and background information
- Summarizing lengthy public documents
- Transcribing interviews or recordings
- Assisting with grammar, spelling, and style
- Generating ideas for headlines or story organization
- Identifying historical context or publicly available reference material
- Improving workflow and newsroom efficiency
AI-generated material is treated as a starting point—not a final product.
Human Review
Every article, headline, caption, summary, newsletter item, and social media post published by West Virginia Explorer is reviewed by a human editor.
Editors verify facts, evaluate context, assess fairness, and ensure that published material meets our Editorial Standards before it reaches readers.
We do not publish AI-generated content without editorial review.
Fact Verification
Artificial intelligence can make mistakes, misinterpret information, or generate inaccurate statements. For that reason, information produced or suggested by AI is independently verified whenever it contributes to published reporting. Primary sources, official records, interviews, and reliable documentation remain the foundation of our journalism.
Original Reporting
AI does not conduct interviews, attend public meetings, investigate events, verify sources, or make editorial decisions. Original reporting by our journalists remains central to the work of West Virginia Explorer. Whenever possible, we prioritize firsthand reporting, direct observation, public records, archival research, and interviews with knowledgeable sources.
Photography and Images
Photographs published as news images are expected to represent real events truthfully. Routine editorial adjustments such as cropping, color correction, exposure, and sharpening may be made without altering the factual content of an image.
Illustrations, artistic renderings, conceptual graphics, or images created with artificial intelligence are used only when appropriate and are clearly identified so readers understand they do not depict actual events. We do not knowingly use AI-generated images to portray real news events as authentic photographs.
Reader Transparency
When artificial intelligence plays a significant role in creating an illustration, graphic, or other published material, we strive to disclose that use clearly. Readers should never be misled about the origin of published content.
Protecting Sources
West Virginia Explorer recognizes that AI systems may process information in ways that differ from traditional editorial software.
Journalists exercise care when working with sensitive information, unpublished materials, confidential communications, or information that could identify protected sources. We avoid using AI tools in ways that could compromise confidentiality or violate legal or ethical obligations.
Continuous Evaluation
Artificial intelligence continues to evolve rapidly. Our newsroom regularly reviews new technologies and updates our practices as standards, laws, and industry guidance develop. We remain committed to using technology responsibly while preserving the values of independent journalism. Find out more in Associated Press reports on generative AI.
Our Commitment
Artificial intelligence is a tool—not a journalist. West Virginia Explorer believes journalism depends on curiosity, experience, accountability, ethical judgment, and a deep understanding of the communities we serve. While technology can improve efficiency, it cannot replace the responsibility of reporters and editors to gather facts, verify information, provide context, and earn the trust of readers.
Our commitment is simple: every story published by West Virginia Explorer remains the responsibility of our newsroom.