The Rise of AI in Journalism: How The Landscape of Newsrooms is Transforming

In this episode of AI in Journalism, host Yumi Wilson takes us on a journey through the evolving landscape of AI integration in newsrooms worldwide. With 70% of US and European newsroom staff utilizing AI for tasks like content creation and editing, the impact of AI on journalism is undeniable.

This episode explores how AI is revolutionizing news production and audience engagement. From industry giants like Thomson Reuters, which have seamlessly incorporated AI tools such as "Cocounsel" and "Checkpoint Edge AI," to Forbes' innovative approaches with tools like "Bernie" and "Adelaide," it reveals how AI is revolutionizing news production and audience engagement.

Delving into The Associated Press' pioneering use of AI since 2014, Yumi examines the benefits and concerns surrounding AI adoption in journalism, including job security and editorial integrity. Recent decisions by significant publishers to discontinue AP services raise questions about the future relationship between AI and journalism.

Whether you're an AI enthusiast, a journalism professional, or simply curious about the future of news, this episode promises to arm you with crucial knowledge and perspectives. Stay tuned, subscribe, and join the conversation on the profound synergy between AI and journalism.

Time stamps:

(00:00) AI transforming newsrooms with rapid information processing.

(03:41) Thomson Reuters: from newspapers to AI leader.

(07:46) Wired reported on Reuters' new tool.

(11:56) AP is a non-profit that clients fund. Uses AI for tech and sports stories.

(14:24) Gannett and McClatchy stop using AP content.

(18:14) AI is causing anxiety for news workers and concerns about bias and privacy.

(21:03) AI journalism, subscribe, connect on LinkedIn, questioning.

Quotes:

"In fact, a new study on newsrooms in the US and Europe found that nearly 70% of newsroom staffers were using AI to craft social media posts, do newsletters, write headlines, translate, transcribe, and even write story drafts."

"So over the years, it has developed into a global network of correspondence, and it's pioneered the telegraph and later computers for news transmission and financial data."

"There's no question journalists could gather all that information themselves, trawling through databases and skimming quarterly earnings."

"It's got an interesting business model, so it's a not-for-profit news cooperative, which means it's neither privately owned, and it's not government funded. And so really what happens is clients or its customers pay a little so that they can get the stories."

"This has significantly reduced the time required to create transcripts for broadcast videos."

"And I say it's interesting because here's AP showing us and telling us they're doing more with AI and they're using tools to help streamline the process, to increase productivity and all of that. And yet we hear that Gannett is no longer using its services."

"This, the revelation or the understanding that so, so many newsrooms are using AI is really an opportunity for educators who are teaching about journalism and media writing to not only know that it's happening but to start to figure out ways that we can incorporate these tools into our own classrooms, which is something that I've been doing this semester at San Francisco State with my classes."

"Because no matter the tool, what we really want people to walk away with is when you read, listen, or watch this story, you trust the information is accurate."

"They found that many of the workers who were interviewed said they are very worried about what's happening with the use of AI."

"One thing is clear: as we navigate this evolving technology landscape, it is crucial to maintain a balance between innovation and responsible AI usage."

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Further Info:

Article by Sora Pazer- https://medium.com/@sorapazer/the-digital-scribe-envisioning-the-future-of-journalism-in-the-age-of-ai-and-automation-6582c059392f  

Reuters News Agency-

https://www.reuters.com/