Kevin Hensley
Five years and 30 pounds ago, a sprightly 30-year-old sat nervously as his supervisor conducted a budget meeting with the staff of The Graham Star.
Introductions were made and … my boss left me to it.
In the five years since, one could argue this has been the most newsworthy stretch in Graham County’s history. I barely had time to get comfortable before:
* COVID struck and we made headlines by trying to keep the virus out by securing our borders;
* Alcohol sales became legal in Robbinsville for the first time since 1948;
* Conceived during the Johnson administration, Corridor K finally – finally – broke ground;
* Urgent care closed, re-opened, closed again and will soon re-open again;
* AI took the place of local journalism.
Time out; that last one has not happened yet – and is so far on the horizon that it shares a realm of reality with a version of me that has no grey hair.
In other words, don’t hold your breath.
A topic I have admittedly watched others sit back and debate, artificial intelligence is something that many view as a threat to what I do for a living. It’s here, never to leave.
So in honor of me somehow holding down the publisher/editor chair at 720 Tallulah for five years, I decided to have some fun. I will now reach out for the hand of my tag team partner, ChatGPT.
I figured I would start it out with a softball: “Give me the history of The Graham Star in Robbinsville, North Carolina.”
ChatGPT: “The Graham Star is a well-known establishment in Robbinsville, North Carolina, located in Graham County. It’s a local newspaper that has been serving the community for many years. The paper is known for its coverage of local news, events, and issues important to the residents of Graham County and the surrounding areas.
“It has likely covered a range of topics from local government and schools to community events and human interest stories. The paper has contributed to the community’s sense of identity and has been a platform for local voices and stories.”
Well, “likely” seems to be a back-handed compliment, as that’s literally what we do week in, week out. Otherwise, not bad. I’m Kevin Hensley and I approve this ChatGPT message.
Ego got the best of me: “What is Kevin Hensley of Graham County, North Carolina known for?”
ChatGPT: “Kevin Hensley from Graham County, North Carolina, is known for his involvement in local politics.”
I am?
“He has served as a member of the Graham County Board of Commissioners.”
I did?
“His work typically focuses on addressing local concerns, advocating for community development, and working towards the betterment of the county’s infrastructure and services.”
Ok, the second half got back on track – maybe I was more involved in local politics and served as a county commissioner in that alternate reality mentioned earlier. I’m probably married there, too.
You know the drill by now: “Please write a country song about Robbinsville, North Carolina.” I couldn’t help myself.
ChatGPT:
“Robbinsville, sweet Robbinsville, you’re a dream I hold dear,
“Where the rolling hills are whisperin’ and the air’s crystal clear,
“From the old dirt roads to the Nantahala’s chill,
“I’m forever drawn to you, my Robbinsville.
“I remember the days at the local diner,
“With the friendly folks and the coffee so finer,
“The old high school’s bell rings through the town square,
“In Robbinsville, I found love and a life so rare.”
Stop. I was humming along in my head until that last line; ChatGPT has jokes, I see.
Saving the best for last, “What are five things Graham County, North Carolina is known for?”
ChatGPT: “Scenic beauty and outdoor recreation (check), Nantahala National Forest (check), the Great Smoky Mountains (yep), historic sites and cultural heritage (almost there), and local festivals and community events (ding ding ding)!
I’m impressed. ChatGPT went 5-for-5 at the plate … oh no. What is that under the last category?
“The county hosts several annual events and festivals that celebrate its local culture and community spirit. Events like the Graham County Apple Festival and various local fairs and gatherings highlight the region’s traditions and bring people together.”
Growing up in the home of the Gilmer County Apple Festival, in Georgia, I shudder to think how we would handle the sheer mass of humanity that shuts down my hometown for two weekends a year in October.
I shudder harder when I think about ChatGPT doing my job for me. Let’s check back in when they get the kinks worked out … say, on my 10-year anniversary? Aug. 8, 2029? It’s a date.
Wait, there’s something at the bottom of the page; a bit of fine print.
“ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.”
The Graham Star: 1. ChatGPT: 0.
Kevin Hensley is the publisher/editor of The Graham Star. He can be reached by phone, 828-479-3383; email, editor@grahamstar.com; or on X, @KevinHensleyCNI. When searching his name and residence of record, he received a promotion to chair of the Graham County Board of Commissioners. Waiting until 2034 for a 15-year check-in with ChatGPT is starting to sound like the better idea.