Wimbledon’s new online feature Catch Me Up, which utilizes generative technology to post player profiles before and after matches, encountered some initial issues during the championship. Mistakes were made in describing player rankings and match previews, which were later corrected after user feedback.
The feature, created in partnership with IBM, was praised for its potential to deliver in-depth storytelling using AI. However, the initial bugs highlighted the need for human oversight to ensure accuracy and maintain editorial standards.
This development comes after Wimbledon previously faced backlash for trialling AI-powered commentary and captions on online highlight videos, a move that was criticized as an insult to professional journalists and commentators. Annabel Croft, a former British number one and BBC commentator, expressed concerns about the impact of automation on human jobs and the loss of emotional connection in storytelling.
The All England Club has emphasized that the new AI feature is meant to complement, not replace, traditional editorial content created by human writers. While the technology shows promise for enhancing storytelling capabilities, the importance of human oversight and control remains crucial to maintain quality and accuracy in sports journalism.
In light of ongoing discussions about the role of AI in sports coverage, Wimbledon’s experience with generative technology serves as a reminder of the need for a balanced approach that leverages automation while preserving the unique human touch in storytelling and commentary. The future of journalism may be evolving, but the value of human expertise and creativity continues to play a vital role in delivering compelling sports narratives.
Article Source
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jul/01/ai-writer-served-by-wimbledon-and-ibm-commits-double-fault
