Some non-writing AI tools journalists should know about

AI is evolving at a rapid pace, from algorithms that help investigative journalists uncover hidden stories in data to machine learning systems that summarize interviews and translate content, as well as tools to optimize paywalls and engage with readers.

Some tools that non-writers should know image 1 — Photo: GI

“There are AI applications for every stage of the journalism process, from news gathering to production and distribution, as well as in business and engagement,” said Mattia Peretti, director of the JournalismAI project. “The Partnership on AI’s recently published database of AI tools for small and local newsrooms includes many great examples.”

“AI tools can be an invaluable resource for journalists, but human oversight must be ensured to avoid publishing inaccurate data or false accusations,” said Colin Porlezza, director of the European Journalism Observatory and assistant professor of digital journalism at the Università della Svizzera italiana.

He said different concerns could arise at different stages, from checking whether the system's design was consistent with journalistic values to verifying the accuracy of the data used and ensuring transparency in the app's purpose and methods.

Additionally, as chat-based software like ChatGPT and image generators like DALL-E or Midjourney become more popular, they present new challenges in policing misinformation. For example, readers may bypass traditional news sources and instead access information through these systems.

To navigate these complexities responsibly, it’s essential to master the tools available. Here are some no-write AI applications worth knowing about.

Explore information

AI-powered tools can help journalists streamline information gathering and uncover stories hidden in data sets.

New/s/leak , short for “NetWork of Searchable Leaks,” is a free tool that uses both linguistic and visualization technology to help journalists sift through large amounts of textual data and identify relevant documents and connections more efficiently.

“This system is similar to what we built at University College London, with DMINR , a news discovery and verification tool to help journalists work with big data and conduct investigations,” Porlezza explained.

Tagging and archiving

“Automatic tagging may sound like a boring use of AI,” Porlezza added. “But only a comprehensive archiving and tagging system will allow newsrooms to make the most of their massive archives.”

Incorrect tagging can result in valuable information being lost in the database, leaving the system untrained. To help streamline this process, Porlezza suggests using Varia , a tool “fairly successful in the German market,” which provides a classification system with intelligent search and retrieval capabilities.

Accessibility solutions

Text-to-speech AI, such as Eleven Labs , can convert written text into natural speech, making information more accessible to people with visual impairments. Similarly, speech-to-text software like Trint can convert audio and video into text in multiple languages, making it accessible to a wider audience, including those with hearing impairments.

YouTube also offers free captioning capabilities, and for a more comprehensive solution, Descript is an intuitive editing tool that can be used to record, transcribe, and edit audio.

Real-time tracking

Tracking events and topics in real time is essential to keeping up with the fast pace of news. Artificial intelligence has made this easier with tools like NewsWhip , which predicts stories and topics that are likely to trend in the coming hours.

Another technology platform, Factmata , analyzes social media, news articles, and blog posts to aggregate opinions and provide insights into popularity and virality. Using these, journalists can stay up to date with breaking news and gain deeper insights into issues through engagement.

Research and reporting

While marketed as a tool for researchers, Audemia can also help journalists and content creators save time during news gathering and reporting.

Users can upload a scientific article and the software will generate an audio version of the text. Additionally, they can skip over specific sections, highlight important information, and take notes easily. All of this makes research more efficient and effective.

Hoang Ton (according to IJnet)

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