Artificial Intelligence as an Assistant: This is how our editorial team works with technology

Just a few years ago, intelligence did not have a quality. It was neither human nor artificial. Generally, when we imagine machines that make our lives easier, we think of robots. Just typical science fiction. Just like in the legendary movie “I, Robot” with Will Smith. In Chicago in the year 2035, humanoid robots have become a reality, artificial beings used as workers and assistants in many fields. The Three Laws of Robotics are implanted in each “robot”, which are intended to prevent it from being able to stand up to a human. Of course, in Hollywood fiction this only works to a limited extent. The ending is not revealed. Just this much: the (good) person wins.

Between enthusiasm and demonization

The year 2035 was still incredibly far away in 2004 when the film was released. 20 years later, the year 2035 seems like the day after tomorrow and everyone is talking about so-called artificial intelligence, or AI for short. This technology has nothing to do with the robots featured in Will Smith's movie, yet it is blockbuster movies like this one that have shaped us and ensured that society today has two opposing opinions about AI: detached enthusiasm and the hope that AI will solve all problems. Our problems or the absolute demonization and belief that artificial intelligence will take away a lot of our jobs and freedom.

Neither of these positions is considered appropriate. But what certainly won't help is hiding from the major technological changes at this time. And since AI has made great strides when working with text and images, we journalists also have to ask ourselves important questions: Do we see AI as an opportunity, for example, to ensure additional quality for our products? Where can AI support us and where do we draw the boundaries? What technical, legal and ethical rules remain unaffected and continue to apply?

We see opportunities in automation

As an editorial team, we discussed, educated ourselves, and found the initial answers that we would like to share with you, the readers. Because, contrary to skeptics, we always see opportunities in the use of AI where it is synonymous with automation. Where content forms can be converted into other content forms. We now use transcription technology, i.e. processing speech, for example recording an interview, and converting it to text within seconds. But unlike fans of pure AI, we believe that having a human at the beginning and end of the process is a sign of quality. The person asking the questions is the person who ultimately conducts the interview.

But we also see how much time we need, as an editorial team, doing journalism for an entire state and two coasts, to prepare recurring information on a small scale. That's why we test artificial intelligence when creating messages and small texts and allow ourselves to be inspired when searching for topics. Have we really thought about all the audiences the story relates to? Have we taken all points of view into account? This is where AI can be used as a friend and supportive assistant.

Many journalists have learned “Ripple Law” during their training. This means that no socially established tool for exchanging information and ideas will be replaced or replaced by others that are added over time. There are some examples to support this thesis:

• With the advent of radio, the daily newspaper did not die out, but instead specialized in providing more basic reporting and local events.
• With the advent of television, the formerly public radio medium specialized in being particularly topical and acting as a secondary medium has not died out.
• With the advent of television, the previously public medium of cinema specialized in collective experience and the special power of image and sound has not died out.

Since the 1990s, the “Ripple Law” has been discussed more critically in relation to the digital revolution. The so-called “law of non-fungibility” has been called into question. One thing is certain: telegraphs will definitely not come back. But weekly newspapers still exist, as do people and media outlets that, like the ancient messenger, summarize the headlines and sort out the deluge of news. Artificial Intelligence is opening up new horizons and will certainly revolutionize the media landscape more than the Internet has ever done. But it can also create space for in-depth research and exclusive analysis when journalists can focus on the core of their work again.

We have provided ourselves with guidelines for using AI

Ultimately, AI will not replace jobs, but people who can use AI will likely take on the work of others. To ultimately ensure quality local journalism, we're moving forward and would be happy to take you on our journey. Guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence can be found here.

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