Dublin – Mediahuis, the Belgian-owned publisher of the Irish Independent and Sunday Independent, has suspended one of its most senior journalists, Peter Vandermeersch, after he admitted to using artificial intelligence (AI) to generate fabricated quotes in his work. The incident raises fresh questions about the ethical boundaries of AI in journalism and the responsibility of news organizations to ensure accuracy in reporting, particularly as AI tools grow increasingly accessible.
Vandermeersch, who currently holds the position of Fellow “Journalism and Society” with Mediahuis, previously served as Ireland chief executive from 2022 to 2025 and publisher of the Irish organization from 2019 to 2022. The suspension follows an investigation by Dutch newspaper NRC, also part of the Mediahuis group, which revealed that Vandermeersch had published “dozens of quotes” that proved to be false. The issue of AI-generated content in journalism is gaining prominence as newsrooms experiment with the technology, and this case highlights the potential pitfalls of relying on AI without rigorous fact-checking.
In a candid admission published on his Substack newsletter, Vandermeersch acknowledged his mistake, stating he “fell into the trap of hallucinations” while using AI language models like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google Notebook to summarize research for his newsletter and articles. He explained that he used these tools to create summaries of reports and then worked from those summaries, trusting their accuracy. “In doing so, I wrongly put words into people’s mouths, when I should have presented them as paraphrases,” he wrote. “In some cases, it reflected my interpretation of their words. That was not just careless – it was wrong.”
Investigation Uncovers Fabricated Quotes
The NRC investigation found that in 15 out of 53 blog posts Vandermeersch authored, quotes could not be verified in the original sources he cited, such as news articles and scientific studies. Seven individuals quoted by Vandermeersch confirmed they never made the statements attributed to them. The analysis revealed a pattern of “fictitious quotes” appearing in both Dutch- and English-language versions of his online blogs. This incident underscores the risk of AI “hallucinations”—instances where AI models generate plausible but factually incorrect information—being presented as legitimate reporting.
Mediahuis has removed eight of Vandermeersch’s articles from the independent.ie website and app while the matter is investigated. Gert Ysebaert, group chief executive of Mediahuis, issued a statement emphasizing the company’s commitment to reliable journalism. “This should never have happened,” Ysebaert said. “Within Mediahuis we apply strict rules for the use of AI, in which care, human oversight and transparency are crucial.” He added that the failure to adhere to these principles was “at odds with the standards we set and the promise to our readers that we guarantee reliable journalism.”
The Growing Concerns Around AI in Newsrooms
The Vandermeersch case is not isolated. News organizations globally are grappling with how to integrate AI tools responsibly. While AI offers potential benefits—such as automating routine tasks and assisting with data analysis—it also presents significant challenges. The potential for AI to generate misinformation, amplify biases, and erode public trust in journalism is a growing concern. The use of AI in news production requires careful consideration of ethical implications and the implementation of robust verification processes.
The incident has sparked debate within the industry about the need for clear guidelines and training for journalists using AI tools. Experts emphasize the importance of human oversight and fact-checking, even when using AI to assist with research or content creation. The reliance on AI-generated summaries without independent verification can lead to the dissemination of inaccurate information, damaging the credibility of news organizations and undermining public trust.
Mediahuis’s AI Policy and Response
Mediahuis stated it has strict rules governing the use of AI, prioritizing diligence, human oversight, and transparency. However, the Vandermeersch case demonstrates that even with established policies, breaches can occur. The company’s decision to suspend Vandermeersch and remove the affected articles signals a commitment to addressing the issue and upholding journalistic standards. The suspension is temporary, pending further discussion with Vandermeersch.
The fallout from this incident extends beyond Mediahuis. It serves as a cautionary tale for news organizations worldwide, highlighting the need for vigilance and a critical approach to AI integration. The future of journalism will likely involve a collaborative relationship between humans and AI, but maintaining accuracy and ethical standards must remain paramount. The debate surrounding responsible AI use in journalism is likely to intensify as the technology continues to evolve and become more sophisticated.
Mediahuis has not yet announced a timeline for the completion of its investigation or a decision regarding Vandermeersch’s future role. The company is expected to provide further updates as the review progresses. Readers seeking more information about Mediahuis’s policies and practices can visit the company’s website at mediahuis.be.
If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of anxiety or distress related to misinformation or the changing media landscape, resources are available. You can contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or visit their website at https://www.nami.org/.
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