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AI tools can alert journalists to breaking news, help them analyze and draw insights from large datasets, and even write and produce the news. At the same time, the risks associated with using AI tools are significant and varied. From potentially spreading misinformation to making biased statements, the cost — both literally and figuratively — of misusing AI in journalism can be high. Partnership on AI (PAI), as part of the Knight Foundation’s AI and Local News Initiative, has been working with organizations and individuals from the technology and news industries, civil society, and academia to explore how journalists can ethically adopt AI. AI Adoption for Newsrooms: A 10-Step Guide is the latest addition to PAI’s AI and Local News Toolkit, a set of resources designed to help local news organizations responsibly harness AI’s potential.

The article discusses five AI projects that can benefit local newsrooms. These projects include automated transcription services, AI-powered chatbots, personalized news recommendations, sentiment analysis for social media, and data visualization tools. By utilizing these AI technologies, local newsrooms can increase efficiency, improve user experience, and provide more relevant and engaging content to their audiences. These projects have the potential to revolutionize the way local news is produced and consumed in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The article discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) can benefit local journalism in terms of generating visual imagery. With the help of AI tools, journalists can create images that accurately reflect the stories they are reporting on. This can be a valuable resource for small newsrooms or independent journalists who may not have the resources or staff to dedicate to graphic design or photography. Additionally, AI-generated imagery can help local publications compete with larger, national news outlets.

The article discusses how to use tools like MadLibs and automated data to make news articles more efficient. By creating templates with placeholder keywords, journalists can use algorithms to fill in the data and create personalized stories. The author argues that this approach can be especially useful for data-driven stories or articles with repetitive structures. They caution, however, that it is important for journalists to maintain narrative coherence and ensure the algorithm is transparent with readers.

Journalists can improve their work by using a variety of AI tools beyond just writing assistants. These include transcription software, image editing software, data visualization tools, social media listening tools, and fact-checking software. By utilizing these tools, journalists can save time and produce higher quality work.