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Talking buildings and Pixar-like avatars: Cleveland Plain Dealer AI videos draw criticism

Poynter · Alex Mahadevan · last updated

In a notable escalation of Cleveland.com’s use of generative artificial intelligence, the newsroom has debuted AI avatars on social media

The Plain Dealer is again facing criticism for its use of generative artificial intelligence.

Two months after drawing national attention for using AI to draft news stories, the 184-year-old newspaper’s digital arm, Cleveland.com, has introduced AI-generated videos on social media — complete with a cartoon mascot named T.T., ostensibly short for Terminal Tower, a local landmark.

In one video, the talking building — complete with googly eyes and gesturing hands — highlights Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges’ recent marriage proposal. In another, animated avatars of Plain Dealer Editor Chris Quinn and Content Director Laura Johnston chat about marriage age laws.

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