The Italian daily Il Foglio has become the first newspaper in the world to publish an edition entirely created by artificial intelligence. The special four-page supplement, Il Foglio AI, was released on Tuesday as part of an ongoing experiment to explore AI’s role in journalism. Every aspect of the publication, from writing and headlines to summaries and humor, was generated by AI, with journalists only providing prompts and reviewing the final content.
A Fully AI-Crafted Newspaper
Il Foglio’s editor, Claudio Cerasa, stated that AI handled every element of the edition, including political analysis, economic reporting, and editorial commentary. The front page featured an in-depth article on the rise of “Italian Trumpians” and their selective stance on cancel culture. Another prominent piece, titled Putin, the 10 Betrayals, examined two decades of broken promises by the Russian president.
The edition also highlighted Italy’s improving economic conditions, citing national statistics on rising salaries and income redistribution. Other sections covered evolving relationship trends among young Europeans, focusing on shifting attitudes toward traditional partnerships. The final page featured AI-generated letters to the editor, including a humorous response from AI itself: “AI is a great innovation, but it still can’t order a coffee without messing up the sugar.”
AI in Journalism: Experiment or Future Standard?
Cerasa emphasized that Il Foglio AI was structured, coherent, and grammatically precise. However, it notably lacked quotes from human sources, raising questions about AI’s role in credible journalism. The experiment aims to test AI’s capabilities while addressing the ethical concerns surrounding automation in news production.
This initiative comes as media organizations worldwide increasingly integrate AI into their workflows. While AI-generated content can enhance efficiency, some worry about its implications for journalistic integrity and employment. Newsrooms, including major global outlets, are actively exploring AI’s potential, but questions remain about maintaining editorial standards and accountability.
Ethical Concerns and the Future of News
The rise of AI-generated journalism presents both opportunities and challenges. Supporters argue that AI can help streamline content creation, fact-checking, and data analysis. However, critics warn about the risks of misinformation, bias, and job displacement in the media industry.
Despite these concerns, Cerasa remains optimistic about the experiment, stating: “It’s just another Foglio, made with intelligence—don’t call it artificial.” The response to Il Foglio AI could shape future discussions on the integration of artificial intelligence in journalism.