Chief Reporter Neil Smith

Journalists will still have to knock on doors despite the rise of AI

Artificial Intelligence (A I) will never replace the vital role of reporters, according to one of Ayrshire's longest serving newspaper journalists.

Neil Smith, who is the Chief Reporter with Newsquest - publishers of a group of Ayrshire titles including the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald - was speaking to members of the Rotary Club of Hunterston.

He said: "Undoubtedly, A I has a role to play in the future of delivering news and feature articles across the world. Most newspapers, particularly national titles, already have specific staff trained in using A I to assist with background reporting on the issues of the day. The problem we all have is deciding what is real and what is fake information provided by A I."

In his role as chief reporter of one of Scotland's oldest newspapers – the A&SH began printing in 1854 - Neil explained the many changes that have and continue in the world of news gathering today with digital and online editions of the newspaper becoming extremely popular while printed copies were still in high demand. Crculation of the A&SH is still around 2,600 copies every week.

He said: "The world of news reporting and feature writing has changed dramatically in recent years and when it comes to using A I, we are no different.

It is a useful tool but when it comes to reporting the real news, it will never replace the journalists who go out there knocking on doors to get the facts."

Prior to joining Newsquest, Neil spent over 18 years as a sub editor with the Daily Record. He was on the news desk when some of the world's biggest events unfolded, including major events such as the Dunblane massacre, the Devolution Referendum, the death of Princess Diana, the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Twin Towers and the Glasgow Airport terror attack."There was never a dull moment!" he conceded.

Recalling some of the lighter moments in his wide and varied career in journalism, Neil said: "While working as a sub-editor on the Daily Record, a major story came in about the death of world famous Formula One driver, Ayrton Senna.

“The Editor demanded that the picture desk quickly source a photograph of the famous racing star. He became distinctly annoyed when approaching our print deadline and no picture had appeared on the schedule for the next edition. Our picture editor insisted it was there, at the top of the list. When we, looked there was a photograph of the Rabbie Burns statue in Ayr-toon- centre! Hilarious. "

During his career in the news business, Neil travelled extensively and after leaving the Daily Record, decided to take a break, visiting and reporting, as a freelance from countries such as South Africa. He contributed to international publications such as the National Inquirer.

On his return to Scotland in 2014, Neil joined Newsquest, equally enthusiastic about reporting on local issues with the group’s titles that include the Cumnock Chronicle, the Largs and Millport Weekly News and today with the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald. "Bringing interesting news and features to the attention of our online and print readers is a privilege,” he added.

When not wearing his reporter’s hat, Neil is a director of a North Ayrshire arts company, Poetic Justice Productions CIC, who are behind the plans to have a festival in honour of the author Edgar Allan Poe. The famous writer spent a brief time in Irvine as a child.  “We've been invited to perform and speak in Baltimore, Maryland this year at a US festival marking the 175th anniversary of the writer's death.”

Note: Neil Smith was introduced to members of the Rotary Club of Hunterston by fellow journalist and Hunterston Rotary Press Officer, Norrie Hunter, and thanked for his presentation by Rotarian Jim Muir