Cartoonists fear for industry with rise of AI-generated illustrations

Cartoonists have expressed apprehension over the growing presence of AI-generated illustrations in the media industry. This apprehension intensified after an AI-generated illustration appeared in the Herald Sun newspaper on Wednesday, which was clearly identified as such by the publisher. Experts caution that the technology itself is not the issue, but rather the lack of transparency regarding policies concerning its use.

The Herald Sun, along with News Corp, has been utilizing AI-generated illustrations for approximately two years, which has left cartoonists concerned about the shrinking industry they work in. Fiona Katauskas, a cartoonist, likened the spread of AI illustrations on social media and in newspapers to a "punch in the gut," noting that they are often of a uniform style, making them easy to identify.

The media companies adhere to a code of conduct that mandates the labeling of any image altered by digital tools, including AI, and insists on the same editorial standards for AI-generated content as for human-generated content. However, Katauskas observes that more Australian newspapers are increasingly employing AI to create illustrations, a development she attributes to the declining financial resources of the media sector.

Katauskas, who has been working in the industry for over three decades, has seen the cartooning field dwindle significantly. Recently, she learned that her contract with the Guardian Australia would not be renewed, forcing her to become a freelance cartoonist. She passionately advocates for preserving this centuries-old art form.

David Blumenstein, deputy president of the Australian Cartoonists Association, recently published a book on AI's infiltration into the realm of illustrations. He acknowledged the disappointment at seeing newspapers utilize AI-generated illustrations but emphasized that it is not surprising. Blumenstein believes the concern should be that those hiring artists might not prioritize ethical considerations.

University of Melbourne academic Jeff Sparrow, while acknowledging the complexity of the AI issue, warned that it could lead to significant job losses in the media industry. He stressed the importance of unions in the media industry addressing this issue seriously and safeguarding workers' jobs while promoting their interests.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has recently implemented an AI writing trial, creating digital news articles based on radio bulletins. The organization has also updated its AI guidelines to ensure transparency with audiences when AI technologies are used. However, the ABC declined to comment for this story but pointed to an email from acting news director Donna Field, stating that AI only assists with journalism and content creation, not replacing human editorial decision-making.

News publishers, including The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald, published a statement that AI will not be used to generate photo-realistic images or illustrations for publication, except in cases where the AI-generated nature of the image is the purpose of the story. They also allow AI to create graphics with editorial approval.

Blumenstein emphasizes that technology, when used ethically, can assist artists and improve the industry. Sparrow urges journalists and the public to demand transparency in the use of AI, understanding the policies of various outlets, the platforms they employ, and the circumstances under which they utilize these technologies.