The Son of Sam would never converse with an AI.
A nonprofit dedicated to journalism is promoting an AI-driven “writing coach” aimed at teaching reporting techniques in the no-nonsense style of Jimmy Breslin, inciting anger from the family of the famed New York City columnist.
“I found that to be in extremely poor taste,” Kevin Breslin, the filmmaker son of the late journalist, expressed to The Post on Monday regarding the Journalistic Learning Initiative’s artificial intelligence tool called “Jimmy.”
“My father would say they’re ‘digging underneath’ – and that’s exactly what they’re doing.”
This nonprofit organization, based in Eugene, Oregon, and associated with the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication, did not consult Jimmy Breslin’s family prior to the launch of the $2.99-per-month bot, as his son noted.
“I can’t recall any notable idea coming out of Eugene besides sneakers,” Kevin Breslin quipped, showcasing his father’s legacy in a candid interview.
“He never gave permission for anyone to take my words and turn it into some foolish, simplistic writing, some subpar drivel. When it came to the craft of writing, he was precise.”
The Queens-born Jimmy Breslin, who passed away in 2017, rightfully earned his title as a champion of the ordinary person throughout his vibrant five-decade career — which included a time at The Post.
He notably profiled the gravedigger of John F. Kennedy in 1963, clashed with the Mafia, engaged in public correspondence with the “Son of Sam” murderer via his New York Daily News column, and claimed a Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1986.
Breslin, almost prophetically, made it clear that his unique approach of immersing in direct reporting and striking language could never be duplicated, even naming himself “J. B. One and Only.”
However, despite his bravado, Breslin’s unparalleled prose did not come effortlessly.
He famously remarked to feminist icon Gloria Steinem, “Anything that isn’t writing is a piece of cake.”
“He worked hard at it, man,” Kevin Breslin recalled, reminiscing about his childhood watching his father labor over his distinguished columns.
Pondering the written word is not something highlighted in the Journalistic Learning Initiative’s promotion of its AI tools.
The nonprofit advocates for integrating reporting-based strategies into high school English and other subjects, a method known as “journalistic learning,” which aims to equip students with research skills, critical thinking, collaboration, and writing through “project-based storytelling,” according to their website.
The organization offers AI tools rooted in the backgrounds of renowned journalists, which promise “personalized support without overshadowing the creative process.”
Long-gone journalistic icons such as Edward R. Murrow and Ida B. Wells serve as the foundation for AI coaches designed for journalistic writing and opinion writing, respectively.
The “Murrow” coach debuted in November 2023, with additional offerings rolling out in subsequent months.
“Jimmy” serves as the model for the AI that assists with feature writing.
Kevin Breslin revealed he only recently discovered the initiative through his brother James.
“I thought, ‘What the f— is this?’ when I first clicked on the site,” he shared.
While expressing that he is not averse to technology, he insisted it is upsetting to see anyone attempt to condense his father’s deeply human principles into an AI tool.
“What about the artistry of journalism? What my father referred to as ‘climbing stairs,’” he stated.
Using Jimmy Breslin’s name for an AI writing tool essentially misleads students into believing that writing and reporting are straightforward, his son asserted.
“It might be suitable — if they were conducting a f—ing course on accountancy,” he joked.
“They are stripping away the excitement from the imagination, tricking them into thinking it’s uncomplicated. It’s all a facade… They’ve really got some nerve.”
Representatives from the nonprofit did not respond to a request for comment.
