CNET editor-in-chief Connie Guglielmo steps down for AI-generated content material function

Following monthslong questions on how CNET makes use of synthetic intelligence instruments, longtime CNET editor-in-chief Connie Guglielmo will step down from her function and tackle a brand new job: senior vp of AI content material technique and editor-at-large, in line with an inner draft memo circulated in the present day, a duplicate of which was obtained by The Verge.

In her new function, Guglielmo will work on machine studying technique at Pink Ventures, the non-public equity-backed media firm that acquired the tech information website in 2020. Adam Auriemma, the previous editor-in-chief of a unique Pink Ventures outlet, NextAdvisor, will change into editor-in-chief. NextAdvisor, a private finance outlet, seems to now not be lively — the positioning’s Twitter account hasn’t posted since January, it now not seems on Pink Ventures’ checklist of manufacturers, and its web site redirects to CNET.

Guglielmo’s transfer to her synthetic intelligence function comes simply hours after The Verge reported that mass layoffs have been underway at CNET. At the least a dozen staff misplaced their jobs, together with some longtime figureheads on the firm, in line with sources with data of the layoffs. The total extent of the layoffs is just not but clear as employees work to determine which colleagues are affected — the quantity might be as excessive as 26 or extra, sources say.

After Futurism revealed in January that CNET had been quietly publishing dozens of articles generated utilizing AI, Guglielmo and different Pink Ventures leaders defended using automation instruments regardless of public concern round how the observe was carried out. The software’s use was quickly paused whereas Pink Ventures carried out an inner audit of all AI-generated content material throughout its websites. Quickly after, greater than half of the articles have been up to date with corrections.

Guglielmo, who has been CNET editor-in-chief for 9 years, has defended using AI instruments on the outlet. In late January, she mentioned in a weblog publish that although the AI-generated tales have been halted, the newsroom would proceed testing AI instruments that will “assist [CNET’s] groups.”

A number of former CNET employees informed The Verge that editorial independence was chipped away below Guglielmo’s management and Pink Ventures’ possession. Former employees recounted a number of situations of staff being pressured to vary their work to appease advertisers, and different crew members have been repeatedly requested to work on adverts and prioritize work that served advertising functions and ranked extremely in Google search.

The most recent spherical of layoffs is way from the primary: former CNET employees informed The Verge that some groups have been decimated by previous cuts to the workforce, whereas different staffers have been pushed out over time.

Pink Ventures didn’t instantly reply to The Verge’s request for remark.