Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are taking over modern technology with softwares like ChatGPT becoming more popular.

Artificial intelligence is designed to mimic the problem-solving and decision-making of the human mind.

ChatGPT is a text-based AI that will answer any question you ask, and many have said that it is the future of essay writing in schools and colleges, as well as something likely to replace real journalists in the future. 

So, we thought we'd try ChatGPT and see what it could come up with when asked to write news stories on various Reading-related topics.

The first request was to ask ChatGCP to write a 400-word breaking news story about Reading. Here's what it came up with:

"READING, ENGLAND - In a shocking turn of events, a major fire has broken out at a historic building in the heart of Reading. The blaze started at around 10 PM on Monday night, and firefighters have been working tirelessly to bring it under control.

"The building in question is the former home of Huntley & Palmers, a biscuit factory that was once a cornerstone of Reading's economy. The factory closed its doors in the 1970s, but the building has since been repurposed as a mixed-use development, housing offices, apartments, and a popular restaurant.

"Eyewitnesses reported seeing flames and thick black smoke pouring from the roof of the building. The fire is believed to have started on the top floor of the structure and quickly spread to the lower levels. Firefighters from several nearby towns were called in to assist with the effort, and the area surrounding the building was cordoned off to keep bystanders safe.

"As of 2 AM, the fire was still raging, and officials were warning nearby residents to stay indoors and keep their windows closed to avoid inhaling smoke. A spokesperson for the fire department told reporters that the blaze was one of the most challenging they had ever faced, due in part to the age and layout of the building.

"'We're doing everything we can to get this fire under control, but it's a difficult situation,' the spokesperson said. 'The building is very old, with lots of nooks and crannies where the fire can spread. We're working closely with our colleagues from neighbouring towns to bring in as much equipment and manpower as possible.'

"The cause of the fire is not yet known, and it's too early to say how much damage has been done to the building. However, the restaurant on the ground floor of the structure is believed to have sustained significant damage, and residents of the apartments in the building have been evacuated.

"Local officials are urging people to stay away from the area while firefighters work to contain the blaze. The Reading Borough Council has also issued a statement expressing its concern for the safety of those affected by the fire.

"This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available."

After one article, the AI software crashed and did not want to write anything else.

After refreshing several times, ChatGPT was asked to write a news article about Kate Middleton, as a Reading-born celebrity.  

It said: "Kate Middleton, also known as Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, is a member of the British royal family and the wife of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge. She is widely admired for her elegance, grace, and humanitarian work.

"Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, has recently made headlines for her support of the UK's COVID-19 vaccination campaign. The Duchess has been actively promoting the importance of getting vaccinated and has visited vaccination centers to thank healthcare workers and volunteers for their hard work.

"On Tuesday, April 20th, Middleton visited a vaccination center at the University of Hertfordshire's campus in Hatfield, just outside of London. She spoke with healthcare workers and volunteers who have been administering the vaccine and thanked them for their efforts."

The AI articles produced by ChatGPT are well-written and contain few spelling mistakes. That being said, they are soulless, lack human impact and have made-up quotes, so we think it is best the real journalists continue the job.