A journalism nonprofit is introducing an AI-driven “writing coach” designed to reflect the bold style of the late Jimmy Breslin, which has angered his family.
Kevin Breslin, the son of the renowned columnist, expressed his dismay to The Post, labeling the initiative from the Journalistic Learning Initiative as “in terrible taste.” The AI, named “Jimmy,” is available for a subscription fee of $2.99 per month.
Kevin said the organization, based in Eugene, Oregon, and collaborated with the University of Oregon’s journalism school, did not reach out to the Breslin family prior to launching the tool.
In a lighthearted moment, he added, “I’ve never heard of anything other than sneakers coming from Eugene,” showcasing his father’s humor during an interview. He firmly stated that his father would never have consented to his words being transformed into subpar writing.
Jimmy Breslin, who passed away in 2017, was celebrated for his compelling storytelling and his ability to connect with everyday people throughout his illustrious career. Notably, he was known for his interactions with the “Son of Sam” killer in his New York Daily News column.
Over his five-decade career, Breslin gained notoriety for covering everything from political scandals to the Mafia. He even won a Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1986, emphasizing the effort behind his impactful writing. Kevin recalled, “He sweated it out,” emphasizing the struggle his father faced to produce quality prose.
The nonprofit aims to promote “journalistic learning,” a method focusing on teaching research, critical thinking, and writing through project-based storytelling—though this doesn’t align with the intense craft that defined Breslin’s work.
While the AI tools are intended to support the writing process, Kevin warns they might mislead students into believing writing comes easily. He stated, “Stamping Jimmy Breslin’s name on an AI writing tool will ultimately fool students into thinking writing and reporting is easy.” He highlighted a concern for losing the essence of true reporting and the emotional depth that comes with it.
Kevin only discovered the project through his brother, feeling perplexed upon first seeing it. He expressed frustration over the notion of distilling his father’s rich human spirit into an artificial tool. “What about the art of reporting?” he questioned, hinting at the deeper complexities of journalism.
No representatives from the nonprofit commented on the situation when approached.
