“Machines That Fail Us”, Episode 2: Following the AI beat: algorithms making the news

In the second episode of the “Machines That Fail Us” podcast series we discuss the role of journalism in making sense of artificial intelligence and how effectively the media is covering the technology and its most controversial sides, starting from its errors. AI is surrounded by both hype and fright and its journalistic narratives are frequently sensationalistic. Yet, we need a responsible, informed, and balanced public debate to fully understand the social implications of artificial intelligence. For this reason, the media are called upon to play a crucial role in mediating and demystifying what are the limits of the technologies and its own perils.

As we argue with the “Machines That Fail Us” podcast series, AI errors are not mere technical glithces, but something more profound and systemic that interconnects with broader and pre-existing societal issues. What can journalists do in order to the convey this message to the public? The second episode of “Machines That Fail Us” explores these issues together with Melissa Heikkilä, senior reporter at the MIT Technology Review, and one of the most prominent journalists covering AI in Europe. Host: Dr. Philip Di Salvo.

“Machines That Fail Us” #2 | Following the AI beat: algorithms making the news

The “Machines That Fail Us” podcast is made possible thanks to a grant provided by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)’s “Agora” scheme. The podcast is produced by The Human Error Project Team in cooperation with the Communication office of the Universität St. Gallen (HSG) and postproduction is curated by Podcastschimiede. Philip Di Salvo, who works as researcher and lecturer in the HSG’s Institute for Media and Communications Management and is part of The Human Error Project since 2022, will be the main host of the podcast. Episodes will be released on the HSG website, on The Human Error Project website and all major audio and podcasting platforms.