News Corp Australia is doing something super cool. They’re using artificial intelligence (AI) to create 3,000 local news articles each week. This is completely changing how local news is served up to readers in places like Penrith, Lismore, Fairfield, Bundaberg, and Cairns. The people behind this smart use of tech? The Data Local team.

How AI is Changing Local News

Michael Miller, the boss at News Corp, talked about this awesome idea at the World News Media Congress in Taipei. They’ve got a small team of just four people, and they’re using AI to pump out thousands of news stories each week. All these stories are made for specific places and cover important stuff like weather, fuel prices, and traffic reports.

AI and Journalists Working Together

News Corp still values good journalism, so they’re not letting AI run wild. Journalists check all the AI-generated news to make sure it’s accurate and relevant. This way, they’re blending the speed of AI with the skill of human editors, getting the best of both worlds.

AI Makes Local Journalism Better

News Corp is really into local journalism. With their 75 local news outlets, they’re able to use AI to make reporting more efficient. They’re covering everything from where to find cheap fuel to important local court updates, weather forecasts, and even obituaries.

AI News Has to Pass Quality Check

News Corp confirmed that every piece of AI-generated news goes through a tough quality check by their journalists. The aim of this AI news isn’t just to entertain but also to provide readers with valuable local info. News Corp really wants to maintain the trust of its readers.

Local News Attracts More Readers

Miller revealed that most new subscribers sign up just for the local news. So, having strong local news is creating a ripple effect, as it gets people to check out the national and global news as well.

Paying for Local News

News Corp has come up with a smart plan to keep local journalism going. They’re hiring data journalists who can use automation to create content that brings in cash. If a journalist can bring in seven new subscribers each week, that covers their salary. This model not only supports journalism but also helps build communities with strong interests in sports, politics, business, and tourism.

More AI in Newsrooms

Other newsrooms around the world are also starting to use AI. The ABC, for example, uses AI for tasks like transcribing audio, text-to-speech delivery, translating content, and content recommendations. They’re trying to use AI in a good way to improve journalism and make it easier for everyone to access their content.

What’s Next in News Reporting?

AI is going to play a bigger role in news reporting and content creation in the future. News Corp’s experiment shows that AI and journalism can work well together. By using AI, News Corp stays ahead of the curve, making sure people always have access to important local info.

To wrap up, News Corp’s clever use of AI is changing how local news is reported. They’re keeping a tight grip on journalistic standards, and their AI-produced articles are giving readers useful local info that helps them in their daily lives. As AI continues to change the news industry, News Corp’s forward-thinking efforts will set a trend for news outlets all over the world, showing that AI and human creativity can coexist nicely.

FAQ

1. What is News Corp Australia doing with AI technology?

News Corp Australia is using artificial intelligence to create about 3,000 local news stories each week, covering various topics like weather updates, fuel prices, and traffic reports for specific regions.

2. Who is leading this initiative?

Michael Miller, the executive chair of News Corp Australia, announced this initiative. The implementation is spearheaded by the Data Local team.

3. How does AI work with human journalists at News Corp?

AI generates the base content, and then human journalists review and edit these stories to ensure they meet high journalistic standards. It’s like a tag-team effort, combining the speed of AI with the skills of humans.

4. What type of content is produced by AI?

AI generates hyperlocal news articles. This includes information such as local court updates, weather forecasts, fuel prices, traffic reports, and even obituaries.

5. How does News Corp ensure the quality of AI-generated content?

Every AI-generated article undergoes a strict review process by News Corp’s working journalists. This ensures that the news delivered is accurate, relevant, and valuable to readers.

6. Has local news been successful for News Corp?

Yes, the local news has had a significant impact on their subscriber base. Most new subscribers join News Corp specifically for the local news content.

7. How is News Corp supporting the financial viability of local journalism?

News Corp is hiring data journalists to create automated content that drives revenue. They’ve found that if a journalist can bring in seven new subscriptions each week, that can cover their salary.

8. Are other newsrooms using AI technology as well?

Yes, other newsrooms around the world, like the ABC, are exploring AI applications. They’re using AI for tasks such as transcribing audio, text-to-speech delivery, translating content, and recommending content.

9. What is the future of news reporting with AI?

The future of news reporting with AI is bright. News Corp’s approach shows that AI and human journalism can work together effectively. As AI technology evolves, it’s expected to play an increasingly significant role in news reporting and content creation.

Sources The Guardian