Gannett Shuts Down Reviewed Amid AI Controversy in Product Reviews

Gannett Shuts Down Reviewed: A Deep Dive into the Closure

On November 1st, 2023, Gannett, the newspaper giant, made the decision to close its product reviews site, Reviewed. This site has been a go-to source for product recommendations across a wide range of categories, from shoes to home appliances. However, the site has faced significant scrutiny in recent times, raising questions about the authenticity of its content.

Understanding Reviewed's Business Model

Reviewed employed journalists to test and review products, providing consumers with trusted advice. Yet, there have been ongoing concerns regarding the originality and genuineness of the reviews. The spokesperson for Reviewed, Lark-Marie Antón, expressed gratitude towards the employees, but the true reasons behind the closure remain undisclosed.

Controversies Surrounding AI-Generated Content

Last fall, Reviewed's staff raised alarms about possible AI-generated product reviews being published on the site. The reports mentioned that these articles were written in a strange, stilted manner and that the attributed authors could not be found on LinkedIn or other professional networks. Gannett responded, clarifying that a third-party marketing company, AdVon Commerce, produced these articles without proper disclosure of authorship.

Link to Previous Scandals

Interestingly, AdVon Commerce has been linked to controversies surrounding content published on other platforms as well. For instance, Sports Illustrated faced a similar issue, where product reviews with untraceable authorship sparked outrage among its audience. An investigation revealed that the images used for author profiles were purchased from AI image service providers.

AdVon's Role and Business Practices

Ben Faw, CEO of AdVon, has a history of controversial business practices, where his company has produced vast amounts of marketing content. Former employees have claimed that certain content pieces were indeed AI-generated. AdVon claimed to offer a mix of “human-only, AI-enhanced, and hybrid solutions” to its clients, offering questionable transparency regarding how their written pieces are generated.

The Impact of SEO Changes on Product Reviews

With the ever-changing landscape of online search algorithms, product reviews—which were once considered a lucrative venture for media companies—are now facing uncertainty. Various news organizations, including the Associated Press, have reported declines in search traffic, prompting a reevaluation of their content strategies. Google’s shift toward AI tools in search results has further complicated the monetization of content that was previously revenue-generating.

Labor Relations and Strikes

Unionized staff at Reviewed have previously engaged in strikes, protesting against management decisions and disputes over compensation and workload. The most recent work stoppage occurred in July, when employees expressed their discontent over increased responsibilities without corresponding pay adjustments. As Gannett moves to close Reviewed, there are regarding the future employment status of those involved.

Conclusion: The Future of Product Review Platforms

The closure of Reviewed opens discussions about the viability of product review websites in the current digital ecosystem. As traditional media struggles to adapt to the rapid shifts in online content consumption, the reliance on AI and questionable content generation practices may leave audiences wanting more transparency and authenticity.

In the fast-evolving world of digital media, the fate of product reviews remains uncertain. For publishers, maintaining trust with audiences is increasingly crucial, especially in an era where AI's role in content creation continues to grow.