TL;DR:
- News Corp Australia uses generative AI to produce 3,000 local news articles per week.
- The AI-powered unit, Data Local, led by Peter Judd, creates stories on weather, fuel prices, and traffic conditions.
- AI-generated content complements reporters’ work for 75 “hyperlocal” mastheads across the country.
- News Corp emphasizes that journalists oversee AI-generated content to ensure accuracy.
- Local news subscriptions drive new readers to explore national and global news and lifestyle content.
- The shift to a digital-first approach and launching digital-only titles caters to changing audience preferences.
Main AI News:
In a stunning revelation that has the media industry buzzing with excitement, News Corp Australia has unleashed the power of cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) to supercharge its content creation process. Executive chair Michael Miller astounded the audience at the prestigious World News Media Congress in Taipei by announcing the production of an impressive 3,000 articles per week, all crafted with the assistance of generative AI.
Embracing innovation at its core, News Corp’s masterstroke lies in its four-member strong team, fervently pushing the boundaries of technology to produce a cornucopia of localized stories, ranging from weather forecasts to fuel prices and traffic conditions. Spearheading this AI revolution is Data Local, an innovative unit expertly led by News Corp’s acclaimed data journalism editor, Peter Judd, whose byline graces numerous AI-driven narratives.
The brilliance of this groundbreaking initiative lies in the seamless integration of AI-generated content with the work of seasoned reporters, resulting in a seamless blend of human expertise and technological prowess. A rich tapestry of AI-driven narratives now enriches the content offering of 75 “hyperlocal” mastheads scattered across the country, providing relevant news to areas like Penrith, Lismore, Fairfield, Bundaberg, and Cairns.
At the heart of this impressive feat lies an intelligent curation process, where AI-crafted stories, such as the informative “Where to find the cheapest fuel in Penrith,” are meticulously overseen by dedicated journalists, ensuring a delicate balance between automation and editorial oversight. While the reports themselves don’t explicitly state their AI origins, News Corp prides itself on maintaining the journalistic rigor and human touch that define its publications.
Beyond the numbers and innovation, this formidable AI strategy’s true essence is its unwavering commitment to delivering essential service information to the readers. Automated updates on local fuel prices, daily court listings, traffic conditions, weather forecasts, and even death and funeral notices are all part of the 3,000 weekly articles that readers have come to rely on. Crucially, these AI-empowered updates undergo thorough scrutiny and fine-tuning by the proficient journalists of the Data Local team, guaranteeing accuracy and reliability.
In a momentous revelation, Miller unveiled how this audacious move toward AI-infused content has yielded unprecedented success in reader engagement. News Corp’s local news offerings have proven to be the gateway for an increasing number of new subscribers, who quickly find themselves delving into the wealth of national and global affairs, as well as captivating lifestyle content. The World Association of News Publishers’ report echoes this triumph, highlighting that an astonishing 55% of all subscriptions are sparked by the allure of News Corp’s hyperlocal mastheads, a testament to the strategy’s resounding impact.
Conclusion:
News Corp’s strategic integration of AI technology to produce localized news stories signals a major disruption in the media market. By leveraging AI-generated content alongside human journalism, News Corp not only efficiently caters to hyperlocal communities but also attracts new subscribers interested in broader news topics. Embracing a digital-first approach further strengthens the company’s position to adapt to evolving market trends and preferences, reaffirming its commitment to staying ahead in the rapidly transforming media landscape.
