AI in the Newsroom: A Veteran Journalist's Take on Using AI for Better Stories

After 30 years in journalism, I've seen it all – from the dawn of digital media to the social media revolution. Now there's a new kid on the block: artificial intelligence. And let me tell you, it's causing quite a stir in newsrooms worldwide.

"Is AI going to take our jobs?"

I hear this question a lot, and I get it. The anxiety is real. But here's the thing: AI isn't here to replace us – it's here to be our ally in the storytelling trenches.

Finding Stories in a Sea of Information

Remember those days when you're staring at your screen, deadline looming, desperately searching for your next story angle? We've all been there. This is where AI tools like ChatGPT and Jasper can be game-changers.

Let me share a quick example. Say you're covering housing in Atlanta. Instead of starting from scratch, you might ask an AI tool about the biggest challenges renters face. Suddenly, you've got fresh angles to explore – like comparing rental assistance programs across cities or finding those human interest stories that make your reporting sing.

The Research Revolution

Can we talk about research for a minute? You know that feeling when you start researching one thing, and three hours later, you're deep in a Wikipedia rabbit hole? AI tools like Google Bard or Bing AI can help keep you focused. They're like having a really efficient research assistant who can summarize articles, spot key facts, and point you toward promising leads.

But here's what's crucial: you're still the journalist. AI is just handling the grunt work while you focus on what matters – crafting the story.

The Heart of Journalism Stays the Same

Look, I've been around long enough to know that some things in journalism never change. Good reporting still comes down to integrity, accuracy, and compelling storytelling. AI isn't changing that – it's just giving us more time to focus on these fundamentals.

Think of AI as your junior researcher, not your ghost writer. Your voice, your perspective, your ability to connect with readers – that's all still uniquely yours.

Future-Proofing Your Career

Let's get real for a moment: our industry is changing at breakneck speed. Learning to work with AI isn't just about making your job easier – it's about staying relevant. Newsrooms are increasingly looking for journalists who can adapt to new tools and technologies. By embracing AI now, you're positioning yourself as someone who can thrive in tomorrow's newsroom.

Taking the First Step

Here's my challenge to you: pick one AI tool and try it on your next story. Start small. Maybe use ChatGPT to brainstorm angles for a story you're working on, or try Otter.ai to transcribe your next interview. Experiment and find what works for you.

Remember, AI can't replace your journalistic instincts or your storytelling skills. It's just here to help you do what you already do – but better and faster.

What's your take on AI in journalism? Have you tried any AI tools in your work? I'd love to hear your experiences and concerns in the comments below.

Ron Jones is a veteran journalist with three decades of experience covering the evolution of media and technology in journalism. He regularly speaks at industry events about the intersection of AI and journalism.