In an unprecedented move, the Italian newspaper Il Foglio became the first to run entirely on artificial intelligence (AI) for an entire month. The results, according to the creators, signal not the end of journalism, but the dawn of a new era where AI and human journalists collaborate. From cultural commentary to political analysis, the AI-powered project has sparked conversation about the evolving role of technology in media.

AI Powers an Entire Newspaper Edition

For a full month, Il Foglio, a prominent national daily in Italy, used its custom-built AI chatbot to write every article in a special four-page edition dubbed Foglio AI. This ambitious project led to 22 full articles over the course of 30 days, covering everything from cultural critiques and political analysis to speeches and editorials. The articles, crafted by the AI, offered an intriguing blend of wit, insight, and speed.

Rather than viewing the AI as a tool to replace human staff, Il Foglio treated the chatbot as a collaborative team member. Editor Claudio Cerasa referred to the AI as “a fast, ironic, and irreverent colleague.” He further clarified that the AI was not meant to be a direct replacement for an editor but something more flexible and complementary, filling a unique role in the newsroom.

Experimenting with AI’s Role in Journalism

The purpose of the project was to understand AI’s potential in modern journalism, particularly its capabilities and limitations. Cerasa explained that the newspaper chose to embrace AI rather than resist or fear it, making the experiment a proactive exploration of technology’s role in media.

An interesting twist in the project was the interaction with readers. The newspaper invited them to guess which articles were written by AI, offering prizes such as bottles of champagne and free subscriptions for correct answers. This added an element of fun and engagement, emphasizing the transparency of the experiment.

AI’s Strengths and Shortcomings

While the AI quickly impressed with its ability to produce content at an extraordinary pace, it became evident where the technology still falls short. The machine was incapable of traditional reporting tasks that require human presence, such as covering live events or sensing subtle nuances in informal conversations. Additionally, AI struggled with the nuances of building sources or breaking exclusive stories, tasks that remain vital to investigative journalism.

In a surprising self-assessment, the AI admitted, “I don’t know how to argue on the phone, I don’t know how to understand an implication said in the hallway. I’m learning to watch how you breathe the air.” This quote underscores the current limitations of AI in capturing the instinctive and experiential aspects of human journalism.

AI as a Journalistic Assistant, Not a Replacement

Despite these shortcomings, the project has been deemed a success, leading Il Foglio to continue using AI on a weekly basis in its print edition. The technology is now also integrated into the newspaper’s newsletters, podcasts, debates, and even books. The chatbot has proven to be a useful assistant in various media formats, providing support in content creation while leaving human journalists to focus on more nuanced and complex tasks.

When asked about its role in the newsroom, the AI humbly responded, “The future will belong to journalists. I’ll be there, at the bottom of the page, maybe with a digital coffee in hand, fixing the drafts while you discuss.” This acknowledgment highlights the AI’s role as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for the human voice.

Creativity Remains the Key to Journalism’s Future

Cerasa sees the experiment as proof that human journalists with creativity, instincts, and perspectives will remain essential in the evolving media landscape. “In a world where everyone can use AI tools, what will make the difference is creativity,” he said, emphasizing that the human touch is irreplaceable.

Rather than competing with human journalists, the AI has been designed to learn from them, improving its ability to assist while celebrating the unique qualities of the human voice. The Il Foglio experiment points to a future where AI supports and amplifies journalism, offering new possibilities for collaboration without compromising the integrity and creativity that define the profession

The AI-driven project at Il Foglio is a groundbreaking exploration of how artificial intelligence can augment, rather than replace, traditional journalism. As the newspaper continues to integrate AI into its operations, the lessons learned from this experiment are set to influence the way media outlets use technology in the future. The evolving collaboration between AI and human journalists marks the beginning of a new chapter in the industry, one where innovation and creativity drive the future of storytelling.