Where Artificial Intelligence May Take Journalism in 2019

Artificial Intelligence: What We Can Expect In 2019

2018 was a banner year for artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism. Many of the largest news publishers embraced machine-learning tools to augment newsrooms.

The Washington Post, Associated Press, and Reuters are just a few of the industry leaders who turned to AI in 2018.

Publishers who adopted AI and machine-learning tools have seen results. Last year, Digiday reported The Washington Post’s robot reporter published 850 stories in a year.

Next year, the global media industry will begin to use these new tools at a faster rate. Here are a few current stories on AI that will have real implications for journalism in 2019.

China Debuts AI News Anchor

This month, China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency debuted the world’s first AI news anchor.

Essentially, the AI anchor functions as a CGI entity that can read text and simulate a video of a news anchor speaking.

Xinhua released Mandarin- and English-speaking versions of the AI anchor, but there are some who have questioned whether Xinhua’s anchor can even be considered true AI, because it cannot actually think, nor does it have any apparent decision-making features.

This technology obviously presents potential ethical concerns, and those concerns will begin pop up in the mainstream conversation with more frequency, especially as a disruptive new concept known as “deepfakes” becomes more prevalent in the future.

Deepfakes is the set of technologies that allows for video mimicry. While the technology is only tangentially related to AI, it requires a mention here due to its potential to create serious issues for journalists in 2019.

U.S. politicians understandably are worried, and the Wall Street Journal even is taking steps to train its newsroom on how to spot fake video.

Data Journalism Heats Up

Data journalism is a growing field that empowers journalists with AI-driven tools.

These tools give journalists deep insight into breaking stories using data analytics.

The new field is incredibly important. It allows journalists insight from massive datasets that would be difficult to achieve without the benefit of machine learning.

Large-scale statistical analysis has been an important tool in journalism for a while. Historically, though, it’s been an expensive process to use.

The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists spent $2 million on the Panama Papers investigation, with a large portion of the bill going toward the analysis required to understand and draw insights from large sets of complex documents.

Machine-learning tools are being developed to make data journalism more accessible, and this year, Reuters found success with its News Tracer system.

“Since we started keeping analytical records about a year ago, Reuters News Tracer has beaten global news outlets in breaking over 50 major news stories,” said Reg Chua, executive editor for Editorial Operations and Data & Innovation with Reuters. “This has given our journalists anywhere from an 8- to 60-minute head start.”

This year, Reuters debuted its new Lynx Insight system, a tool that builds off of News Tracer. Lynx Insight represents the next-gen machine-learning systems that will become even more important to publishers in 2019.

What’s Next in AI

Data analytics powered by machine learning has advanced. Some are now working on developing tools to build predictive models that would allow journalists to peer into the future by predicting news events through statistical methods.

Predictive models have been a permanent fixture in economics and academia for many years. However, using these techniques in journalism still is a novel concept.

Although many AI-powered journalism tools still are in development, experts believe AI has the potential to solve a number of other problems that modern journalists are coming up against.

“[AI’s] other big benefits are increased scale, extreme customization and personalization, speed and accuracy and the ability to become systemic on reporting certain beats,” says David Caswell, a fellow at the Reynolds Journalism Institute at the University of Missouri. “There are also longer term benefits resulting from the accumulation of news as data over time that may be even more important.”

Next year is right around the corner.

As big as 2018 was for AI in journalism, it will be nothing compared with the fundamental changes that will take place in the world’s leading news publishers as they fight to remain competitive in 2019.

Subscribe to Beyond Bylines to get media trends, journalist interviews, blogger profiles, and more sent right to your inbox.

[blog_subscription_form]

Julian Dossett is a freelance writer and black coffee enthusiast. He’s based in New Mexico.

You may also like...

62 Responses

  1. Artificial intelligence not only impact journalism but also market research like to share one article
    Why is Eye Tracking really important for Market Research?
    https://blog.karna.ai/why-is-eye-tracking-important-for-market-research-9ee0b2acdccf

  2. Jatin Bhalla says:

    Human is evolving yet in bringing technological revolutions. Artificial intelligence or AI is a technology that deals with computer science that directs in the making of intelligent machines that work and respond like humans. New technologies are emerging regularly using AI. This is wonderful article with upcoming AI projects. I am obliged for this information.

  3. Himanshu says:

    The post is really brilliant and the information is very useful for beginners. I’ve read about IBM’s Watson in many articles but none of them gave me as satisfactory description as this did. Learning more with quality over quantity sounds fascinating.
    Further one can get detailed information by visiting the website

  4. Isis Owens says:

    I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.

  5. I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.

  6. I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.

  7. I am truly thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic piece of writing at at this place.

  8. This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!

  9. Theresa Fry says:

    I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.

  10. I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.

  11. I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.

  12. Tate Summers says:

    I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.

  13. Dominik Li says:

    This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!

  14. Kylan Branch says:

    Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.

  15. Clay Cooke says:

    I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.

  16. naturally like your web site however you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will surely come again again.

  17. mary phiri says:

    The article contemplates AI’s evolving role in journalism through systems like ChatGPT automating basic coverage. However, the contextual understanding and ethical reasoning underpinning great reporting remain distinctly human strengths. Though bots can synthesize data efficiently, vigilantly safeguarding truth and transparency persists as our moral duty – the heart of conscientious journalism.

  18. ChatGPT automating basic coverage. However, the contextual understanding and ethical reasoning underpinning great reporting remain distinctly human strengths. Though bots can synthesize data efficiently, vigilantly safeguarding truth and transparency persists as our moral duty – the heart of conscientious journalism.

  19. gpt online is an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) platform that utilizes advanced deep learning algorithms to generate high-quality content.

  20. The post is really brilliant and the information is very useful for beginners. I like the efforts you have put in this, to find great courses available online power bi course in ameerpet.

  21. Brogan Rivas says:

    very informative articles or reviews at this time.

  22. I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!

  23. Denzel Huber says:

    I am truly thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic piece of writing at at this place.

  24. I truly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and will

  25. Kaley Mejia says:

    very informative articles or reviews at this time.

  26. I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.

  27. Luz Stout says:

    Great information shared.. really enjoyed reading this post thank you author for sharing this post .. appreciated

  28. I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!

  29. I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav

  30. very informative articles or reviews at this time.

  31. There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made

  32. Andre Rivas says:

    Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post

  33. Alexis Park says:

    I do not even understand how I ended up here, but I assumed this publish used to be great

  34. Keegan Kent says:

    Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites

  35. Julien Petty says:

    Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post

  36. naturally like your web site however you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will surely come again again.

  37. Ella Hull says:

    This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am really happy to read everthing at one place

  38. Kaden Lester says:

    This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!

  39. Great information shared.. really enjoyed reading this post thank you author for sharing this post .. appreciated

  40. Sylvia Todd says:

    naturally like your web site however you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will surely come again again.

  41. Jakobe Mccoy says:

    Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.

  42. Alex Cain says:

    I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles

  43. Cloe Ward says:

    I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.

  44. Andre Atkins says:

    I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!

  45. naturally like your web site however you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will surely come again again.

  46. Cierra Kerr says:

    I truly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and will

  47. Myla Shannon says:

    I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!

  48. Jaquan Kidd says:

    I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!

  49. Jase Ponce says:

    There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made

  50. Shea Watts says:

    Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post

  51. Ella Hull says:

    Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post

  52. Your blogs are great

  53. mark says:

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize journalism in numerous ways, offering unprecedented opportunities for efficiency, personalization, and innovation. AI-driven analytics provide valuable insights into audience behavior and preferences, empowering journalists and digital marketing company alike to optimize content strategies and distribution channels for maximum impact and reach.

  54. Hey there! Just finished reading your article on the potential impact of artificial intelligence on journalism in 2019, and I gotta say, you really hit the nail on the head with your insights. It’s fascinating to think about how AI is revolutionizing the way news is produced and consumed.

    Your point about AI being able to sift through vast amounts of data to uncover trends and patterns is spot on. With so much information out there, it’s easy for journalists to get overwhelmed, but AI tools can really help streamline the research process and uncover stories that might otherwise go unnoticed. It’s like having a supercharged research assistant at your fingertips!

    I also appreciated your discussion on the ethical considerations surrounding AI in journalism. As AI becomes more integrated into newsrooms, it’s important for journalists to remain vigilant about biases and ensure that these technologies are used responsibly. After all, the last thing we want is for AI to perpetuate harmful stereotypes or misinformation. Thanks for shedding light on this important topic!

  55. Nawabs Hotels and Resorts says:

    Naran hotel booking made easy! Streamline your naran hotel booking process with our intuitive platform. Access a wide range of lodging options, compare prices, and book with confidence. Experience seamless planning for your upcoming trip.

  56. I’m curious to find out what blog platform you have been working with?

  57. Shalamar Hospital says:

    For accurate pathology services, put your trust in Shalamar Hospital. The professional pathologists and modern labs promise exact diagnosis and successful methods of therapy. Since your health is our first issue, we are the firm that you should choose for pathology needs.

  58. Wix Cheief says:

    Achieve top rankings with expert Wix SEO optimization provided by Wix Chief to drive more traffic to your site.

  59. Kullure Beauty and Body says:

    Pamper yourself at Kullure Beauty and Body, the ultimate beauty spa salon . Book your session now.

  60. Uniswift .ae says:

    Discover the quality and tradition of judo belts at Uniswift, your premier multi-sports store. Our judo belts are designed for durability and performance, perfect for practitioners of all levels. At Uniswift, we are committed to providing top-notch gear to support your journey in the martial arts.

  1. February 24, 2019

    […] about using something new. Additionally journalists as a whole are working toward incorporating Artificial Intelligence into their process. It is expected to aid in data analytics as well as collecting all of the […]

  2. February 3, 2022

    […] challenges, some newsrooms are implementing AI in their work in unique ways. A couple of years ago, we reviewed how newsrooms were using the technology to create AI reporters and analyze large […]

Leave a Reply