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One local editor says AI is helpful, but not enough to replace his own writing
By: Brionna Crumpler
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Like Superman faced Brainiac, journalists today face a similar challenge in navigating the rise of artificial intelligence in their work. Montgomery Independent editor Brian Hodge, in a recent interview, discussed how the news media works to maintain the human voice in its stories.
Brian Hodge spent his childhood in Valley but lived in Millbrook in his early 20s and considers that to be his home now. He went to Faulkner University to major in criminal justice. Hodge’s career in journalism began in 2003 as a movie critic, watching movies every week for a newspaper company in exchange for a ticket. Hodge’s first movie review was Anger Management with Jack Nicholson and Adam Sandler (2003). Is rating system for movies were “See it” or “Miss it” but gave the movie a “See it” rating. By 2003, He transitioned to reporting for The Montgomery Independent. What started as this wanting to make a movie script and write movie reviews evolved into a two decade journey into journalism. The Montgomery Independent offers both a newspaper and a website for browsing. They are considered a community paper, focusing more on local news and events in Montgomery. The site has a $3 subscription.
When Hodge was discussing one of his first published article in 2003, which was about a kindergarten teacher at Coosada Elementary who accidentally had his hand amputated by a lawn mower. Hodge’s first big story was in early 2004 “about an Alabama State Rep. Lea Fite. He introduced and voted on a bill that would affect his business and thus he would personally benefit from. That is a big no-no. He passed in October 2009” he stated.
Hodge discussed about gentleman who ran for superintendent of education in Elmore County. not knowing the rules for collecting and spending money during elections while learning Alabama law was eye-opening, according to Hodge said. “The truth is, a lot of people run for office. They’re not prepared. They have no clue what they are doing” Hodge added “ They get talked into it because somebody’s like ‘I can help get you some money’ but it does help to read the rules.” The local editor understood that reading the law and rules was essential before running for office.
Hodge’s first article as a full time reporter was about the Meteor Crater in Wetumpka in January 2004. “One of the things I love about my job is that you learn a lot of stuff” he said when wanting to learn more about the meteor impact that had struck years ago. He liked how the Meteor Crater was made and wanted to learn more about it. For newcomer reporters,Hodge said the best thing to do is not to put yourself in the story, “I don’t want the reporter to be part of the story.” Hodge explained, “Our job is simple Here’s what happened, here’s what this person said.” As a new reporter for a newsroom, remaining absent from the story would only matter if it were an opinion piece. Hodge stated that even in an editorial, he avoids involvement except when it comes to opinion pieces. Editors should focus on providing more information rather than serving as a platform for venting.
According to a Wifi Talents article AI In The Newspaper Industry Statistics that was posted on June, 1 2025, around 62% of media organizations have utilized AI tools in their jobs, 45% of managers believe AI can help increase reporting efficiency, and 68% of journalists believe that AI can be a valuable tool in the newsroom. AI Prompt Resource Management statistics report AI statistics (2025) states that 75% of workers were using AI at their workplace in 2024. While 45% of workers claimed they were worried about AI replacing their jobs.
Hodge sees AI as a tool but it has raised concerns for journalists. “ChatGPT can be useful for some things, but as a replacement for writing, I don’t find it very useful,” Hodge stated “ doesn’t shown good.” he continued. “I’ve fed my own work into ChatGPT and say ‘write me in the style of this guy” and it doesn’t seem like me.” Hodge said. While the AI doesn’t sound human, it is more robotic due to the tone of the software. In a September 2024 Forbes article, Ron Schmelzar reported about how AI can be used to transcribe voice memos, identify whether a photo is AI-generated or real and provide other helpful tools. AI can’t replace writing, but can be used as a tool in the newsroom.
Kate Lindsey-Hunter, a senior communication major at Auburn University at Montgomery from Mobile, stated that AI can be a helpful tool but not a human skill. “I personally think it’s a good idea to get creative juices flowing and to guide creative thoughts in the right directions.” Lindsey-Hunter added, “I also think it can be a crutch if used frequently, especially if people in the work force attempt to use AI to complete tasks for them. AI is nowhere complex and capable as the human brain, so in allowing it to do all of the work it weakens your thinking skills” Lindsey Hunter doesn’t believe AI should be relied in the work force.AI is seen as a tool among students. “I see it as a tool,” said Jasmine Thomas, a pre-nursing major at Auburn University at Montgomery. Thomas believes that AI can be a helpful tool when studying, but not something you need to depend on. Students shouldn’t rely on AI to do everything for them, she said.
A largely known topic with AI being used in journalism is the Em dash button (—), since that can be a sign of overuse of AI. According to the Rochester Institute of Technology Reporter Magazine posted on Sept. 8 by Noah Gallo. AI is trained to mimic humans. The Em dash is used in AI to add dramatic flair or to indicate a pause, much like a pause in speech. “It doesn’t take a wise person to write something into ChatGPT and then go back and go find, replace, and get rid of all the Em dashes.” Hodge said that while talking about how em dashes are a sign of AI usage due to some writers depending on it. “but still the content of what the thing is writing After you’ve read it a bit, you can tell.” He added that it is AI. “Kudos to ChatGPT for bringing it back.”
At the end of the interview, when Hodge offered advice for future reporters, he said, “Read what other people are doing, and then you will at first mimic their style of writing. It’s a natural thing to do. It’s not illegal, immoral or fattening.” He explained, “It’s how people learn.”
“Eventually, you will develop a style that is your own, because you will have a way that you tend to get information out.” Hodge said If you intern with him as a new reporter, he won’t become the Spider-Man editor J. Jonah Jameson and criticize every single word you type. Instead, Hodge will guide you where you need to go, along with advice on becoming a better writer.
