Reckless Disregard in the Age of AI: What Verification Now Requires
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
AI is now embedded in the modern newsroom. Not as a headline, not as a novelty, but as infrastructure. It drafts outlines, summarizes complex reporting, surfaces background details, and accelerates prep for live conversations. For media creators operating under relentless deadlines, that efficiency is not theoretical. It is practical and daily.
That reality raises a quiet but consequential legal question. When AI contributes to your research, what does verification now require?
Professional hosts are not reading raw chatbot answers on air and calling it journalism. That caricature misses the real issue. What is actually happening is subtler and far more common.
AI now sits inside research workflows. Producers use it for background. Hosts use it to summarize reporting. Teams use it to outline controversies or draft rundowns. Most of the time, it works. Sometimes, however, it invents.
When that invention involves a real person and a serious allegation, the legal analysis looks familiar.
For public figures, defamation requires proof of actual malice – knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for truth. For private figures, negligence is usually enough. In both cases, the focus is not on the tool. It is on the content creator’s conduct.
AI does not change the elements. It changes the context in which reasonableness is judged.
Courts have long held that repeating a defamatory statement can create liability, even if someone else said it first. If you rely on a blog, and that blog relied on AI, and the allegation is false, the question becomes whether your reliance was reasonable.
Was the source reputable? Was the claim inherently improbable? Were there obvious red flags? Was contradictory information readily available?
AI’s reputation for “hallucinating” facts now forms part of that backdrop. Widespread awareness that these systems can fabricate citations, merge identities, or invent accusations becomes relevant when a court evaluates your verification choices.
This does not mean using AI indicates reckless disregard. It means using AI does not excuse skipping verification when the stakes are high.
The more specific and damaging the claim, the greater the duty to confirm it through independent, reliable sources. Not another prompt. Not a circular reference to the same unverified blog. Rather, a primary record, official statement, or established reporting.
Documentation matters. If challenged, being able to show that you checked multiple sources before broadcast can be decisive.
None of this is new doctrine. What is new is how seamlessly AI blends into ordinary research habits. That integration makes it easier to forget that the legal question is still about human judgment.
The law will not ask whether your workflow was efficient. It will ask whether your conduct was reasonable under the circumstances.
In the age of AI, verification is not a courtesy. It is risk management.
Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonMediaLaw.com or read more at TALKERS.com.
Tuesday, March 10 and culminating with the championship game broadcast on Sunday, March 15. “We cannot wait for tip-off,” says Robert Blum, general manager of Compass Media Networks/Sports. “With the expansion of the Big Ten Tournament the six days will be packed with extremely compelling games that will help power the ratings of our affiliates and dazzle our audience.”
provides important benchmark measures for usage and behavior around streaming audio, podcasting, radio, smart audio, social media, and debuting this year, never-before-seen data on AI usage. Annual results and trending data from The Infinite Dial are relied upon by its audience of content producers, media companies, agencies, and the financial community.” The webinar will feature Edison vice president of research Megan Lazovick with special guest James Cridland, editor of Podnews.
eight stations in Minnesota. The second deal transfers 17 signals in a number of small markets in the state of Missouri to Carter Media Too, LLC., a Carrollton, Missouri‑based limited liability company led by the Carter Media family. Carter Media Too also operates three radio stations in Missouri plus the streaming platform, MidVid.com. Exclusive broker Kalil & Co says Miles and Michael Carter expressed their enthusiasm for expanding the organization’s footprint and restoring a strong local presence in news, weather, sports, and agriculture.
strength of the video podcast and podcast clips, while “The Joe Rogan Experience” is #2 with consumption split almost evenly between audio and a combination of video podcast and podcast clips. Perhaps not surprisingly, NPR’s “NPR News Now” (#4) consumption came primarily from audio with about 20% coming from podcast clips. Candace Owens’ “Candace” leapt 71 places to finish the January period at #10. Her program’s consumption was primarily a split between video podcast and podcast clips. 
posts remain unchanged – iHeart Audience Networks’ “Stuff You Should Know” at #1 and Audacy Podcast Network’s “48 Hours.” Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” falls only one spot to #4. Other noteworthy shows include iHeart Audience Network’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” rises on place to #10 and Audioboom’s “The Bulwark Takes” climbs nine places to #21. 
Colin Cowherd” to the program lineup at WJBR-AM, Tampa “Florida Alumni Radio 1010AM” in the 112:00 noon to 3:00 pm daypart. The program will also be simulcast on 92.1 FM in Hillsborough County, 103.1 FM in Pinellas County, and 104.7 HD2. The show will air weekdays from Noon – 3:00 p.m. ET.
recent trends towards fragmentation facilitate or inhibit the ability of local broadcast television stations to meet their public interest obligations, including their production of local news and reporting? In what ways is the marketplace continuing to evolve and how will future changes impact consumer access to free over-the-air news and information, including public safety information?”
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, beginning March 9. The station says, “Craig is a veteran talk show host having previously worked at WGN Radio and 93 WIBC. He is also a frequent guest host with Radio America’s ‘The Dana Show’ and ‘The Chad Benson Show’ and WIBC’s ‘Tony Katz and the Morning News.’” Colling says, “How awesome is it to be at the same radio station I remember reading about in The Way Things Ought To Be! I can’t wait to get started. A big thank you to Bonny, Russell and the entire team at KSEV!”
According to the study, 22.07% (2366 stations) had women holding the general manager position in 2025. This is a slight increase from last year where the number was 21.67% and compared to 2004 continues to show solid growth when the percentage of female general managers was only 14.9%. MIW says, “Overall, the best management opportunities for women in radio continues to be in sales management. 35.31% (3561 stations) had a woman sales manager in 2025 which is basically flat from 35.67% in 2024. The greatest challenge for women in radio management continues to be in the area of program directors/brand managers. Women currently program 13.02% (289 stations) which is a slight gain from 12.38% in 2024. MIW board president Sheila Kirby comments, “Twenty-five years of data give us clarity. We are encouraged to see movement in general manager and programming roles, particularly within the Top 100 markets. At the same time, flat growth in sales leadership and the continued underrepresentation of women in programming nationally remind us that progress is not automatic. Sustainable advancement requires intention. MIW remains committed to mentoring, advocating, and creating pathways for women to lead at every level of the industry.”
Indiana Wesleyan University, effective July 1. SRN VP/news Tom Tradup says, “Greg is the consummate professional whose solid coverage will be sorely missed by our Washington Bureau and by our listeners nationwide.” Tradup says Clugston served on the White House Travel Pool and often traveled on Air Force One covering President Trump for SRN News.
company says Charlamagne Tha God will join the festival alongside some of the Black Effect’s most popular personalities for a day full of live podcast tapings and informative discussions aimed at aspiring podcasters in the Black community. Charlamagne Tha God says, “Each year we return to Atlanta with purpose and intention to amplify storytelling, champion community, and celebrate excellence in podcasting with thousands of our cousins from around the world.”
dominant spoken-word audio listening platform, but it was fully sixty-five percentage points higher than podcasts, which accounted for 10% of listening time back then. Quarter by quarter and year over year, time spent using AM/FM radio to listen to spoken-word audio has declined significantly and shifted to time spent with podcasts. As of Q4 2025, 40% of time spent listening to spoken-word is now spent with podcasts and 39% of time is spent with AM/FM radio. Not only does radio not beat podcasts by a significant margin, it now trails the on-demand platform for spoken-word audio listening.”
brands with promotion nationally across iHeartMedia’s multi-channel ecosystem. iHeartMedia president of business development and strategic partnerships Michael Biondo states, “This partnership with the International Flag League showcases iHeart’s commitment to supporting emerging sports and the communities that champion them. By combining iFlag’s explosive growth with iHeart’s unmatched reach, we’re creating new opportunities for athletes, fans and brands to engage with the sport like never before.”
president Tim McCarthy says, “Verma brings a vibrancy and excitement to our evening. The Annual Gala is our biggest fundraiser, and the money is needed more than ever. The number of requests for aid goes up every year. That means more broadcasters than ever before are aware of our mission and we must answer their cry for help.” As previously announced, this year’s BFOA Gala will also honor VERSANT CEO and former chair of NBCUniversal Media Group Mark Lazarus with the Golden Mic Award, Judge Judy Sheindlin with the Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award, Stephen A. Smith with the inaugural Broadcast Personality of the Year Award, and Ernest A. Liebre with the Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award.
audience over indexes for a slew of major purchase categories.” Some of the key findings in the study include: 1) The number of sports-formatted AM/FM radio stations has grown +14% over the last decade, while revenue shares increased +38%; 2) According to Nielsen, the sports format ranks an astonishing number one in streaming shares among 25-54s and 18-34s, while in-car listening is the dominant location of listening among over-the-air sports AM/FM radio listeners; 3) Advertising on sports AM/FM radio is more effective than TV sports because the AM/FM radio audience is far more attentive and sports engaged; and 4) Ranked third in income of twenty-four AM/FM radio formats, the sports format has seen household incomes grow 17% since 2020. 
president Julie Talbott says, “We’re deeply saddened by the loss of Rev. Jesse Jackson, and it has been an honor to work with him and his family throughout the past two decades of his ‘Keep Hope Alive’ radio show. Santita Jackson is uniquely positioned to carry forward his legacy and his unwavering commitment to community and social justice – values he championed so powerfully for listeners and stations across the country.” iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman adds, “Rev. Jackson has been a transformative voice in American life, and it was a privilege to work with him dating back to ‘The Jesse Jackson Show’ with Quincy Jones in the 1990s. We’ve valued our relationship with him over the years and look forward to celebrating his lasting impact on the national conversation and our culture – an influence that will continue to resonate for generations.”
Christianity. This podcast is an extension of the conversations I’m already having – about faith, family, and what it means to live with conviction in a liberal culture. I’m excited to bring those discussions to a wider audience.” Salem Media SVP of content Phil Boyce states, “Danielle represents the next generation of conservative voices. As Salem continues to invest in new talent and new platforms, her voice reflects both where the conservative audience is headed and the future we’re building at the Salem Podcast Network.”
Leadership Award honorees are: Heather Cohen, president, The Weiss Agency; April Carty-Sipp, EVP, Industry Affairs at NAB; Michael J. Hayes, president, Hearst Television; Mike Hulvey, president & CEO, Radio Advertising Bureau; Chad Matthews, president, ABC-Owned Television Stations; Alissa Pollack, EVP, Global Music Marketing, iHeartMedia. The 2026 Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award honoree is John Catsimatidis, owner & CEO, WABC Radio/Red Apple Media. The 2026 Chairman’s Award honoree is Emmy-winning broadcast journalist Deborah Norville.
patriotic, pro-America content that celebrates the American journey and inspires its citizens by highlighting the historic accomplishments of this great nation from our founding through the Trump Administration today.” Carr adds, “On July 4, 2026, America will celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. That revolutionary document set forth our founding principles – including Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness – and put America on a collision course with destiny. Over the following centuries, the American story has defined modern history and spread freedom, opportunity, and prosperity across the globe. As America’s 250th anniversary approaches, it is important to reflect on the ideals and events that have defined our past while keeping an eye towards our country’s bright future. The White House is leading our national celebration of this historic event with the Salute to America 250 Task Force, which calls on the federal government, among others, to mark this momentous occasion. As part of this effort, I am calling on broadcasters to pledge to provide programming that promotes civic education, national pride, and our shared history.” Carr shares some examples stations could use, including:
daily lineup: “Daybreak with Brian and Jamie” airing 6:00 am to 9:00 am (starring Brian Noonan and Jamie Martinson); “The Jeff Santos Show,” airing from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm; and “Nite Lite With Pete Schwaba and Greg Bach” airing from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Civic Media vice president of product Aaron Carreno said, “We’re excited to refresh our programming with the addition of new radio shows and a continuous stream of digital content that meets audiences wherever they are. This growth reflects our commitment to delivering fresh voices, diverse perspectives, and engaging storytelling across every platform. By strengthening both our on-air and digital presence, we’re creating more opportunities for our community to connect, discover, and stay informed—anytime, anywhere.”
purchasing power – backed by a population of nearly 70 million that is a leading ethnicity in growth – has now reached $4.1 trillion and continues to grow more than twice as fast as that of non‑Latinos. iHeartMedia says, “The impact of this can only be measured in global scale: If isolated, the GDP of current U.S. Latinos would rank fifth in the world, having surged from $2.2 trillion in 2015 to $4 trillion.” iHeartLatino president and chief creative officer Enrique Santos says, “Bicultural Latinos are not just an audience — they are a cultural vanguard, driving tastes, trends and conversations across every platform while powering one of the fastest‑growing segments of the U.S. economy and redefining what it means to be American. For brands, the takeaway is clear: culture is the strategy — language is the tactic. Those who lead with cultural intelligence, not just translation, earn more than attention, they earn long-term loyalty and trust.” The study also finds that audio is important to this demographic. The study finds: “Broadcast reaches 9 in 10 Latinos monthly, according to Nielsen, and this new research shows that Bicultural Latino radio listening is diverse – 92 percent listen in English, 78 percent listen in Spanish – and 65 percent of Bicultural Latinos prefer listening to radio/music/podcasts equally in Spanish and English. Additionally, the research shows that 98 percent are listening to music weekly, 63 percent tune into podcasts weekly and 69 percent engage with live sports through audio.”
radio industry (and its related fields) seeks to connect with and develop a next generation of professional practitioners as well as engaged audiences. TALKERS is honored to again provide financial support, encouragement, experience, and advice to the dedicated organizers of this very special event.