News Organizations Use AI to Strengthen Journalism

OpenAI has shared how news organizations worldwide are using artificial intelligence to strengthen their journalistic and business missions. In a new report, the company highlights various ways AI is helping journalists work more efficiently, reach new audiences, and maintain resilient business models.

Empowering Journalism with AI

AI adoption in newsrooms is becoming increasingly diverse. The Associated Press uses OpenAI technology to support verification, research, and journalistic workflows. AI tools help journalists scan evening news and podcasts for developments worth reporting, track image and video uploads for geolocation verification, and turn thousands of Supreme Court filings into structured, searchable information. All of this reduces repetitive tasks so journalists can focus on distinctive original reporting.

At POLITICO, AI analyzes large volumes of public documents so journalists can produce in-depth reports faster. Meanwhile, the commercial team uses AI to tailor sales experiences with richer data, freeing them to focus on human relationships. Axios built a suite of custom GPTs, including "FOIA Refiner GPT" which helps reporters draft specific and efficient public records requests, and "Axiomizer GPT" that reviews drafts to recommend sharper headlines and writing.

The Philadelphia Inquirer developed Scribe, an AI-powered tool that helps journalists monitor public meetings in dozens of cities and school districts. Scribe turns meeting transcripts into concise summaries, then scores and ranks developments based on a newsworthiness framework created by the newsroom. Meanwhile, Axel Springer uses AI across its brands: Business Insider offers a one-tap listen feature, and WELT uses AI to produce specialized newsletters and provide an extra fact-checking layer in its content management system.

Elsewhere, Le Monde is expanding its English-language audience by using a ChatGPT model fine-tuned with their translation style guide, speeding up publishing without sacrificing quality. PRISA Media integrates AI into various editorial tools, from trend and news trackers to conversational assistants for EL PAÍS subscribers. The Daily Beast built Data Scouts, AI agents that not only summarize data but also identify opportunities and recommend actionable steps for teams.

Expanding Audiences and Reader Experiences

AI is also opening new ways for readers to enjoy journalistic content. Condé Nast launched the AI-powered Bon Appétit Test Kitchen Assistant. This assistant allows readers to ask questions about recipes, cooking techniques, ingredient substitutions, and product recommendations in real time, drawing on a vast editorial archive.

The Atlantic even created an interactive murder mystery game called Lemony Snicket’s Suspicious Incident in Dubious Park. They used ChatGPT to develop characters, storylines, and game mechanics, delivering a unique experience for loyal readers.

Another project comes from the American Journalism Project, supported by OpenAI. Their Product & AI Studio helps local news organizations use AI responsibly. For example, Centro de Periodismo Investigativo (CPI) in Puerto Rico uses a custom GPT to draft and translate donor communications in English and Spanish, saving time for a small team without losing an authentic voice. A similar approach was later adapted by Enlace Latino North Carolina to launch its first English-language newsletter, expanding reach and opening new sponsorship opportunities.

What Does This Mean for the Media Industry?

These AI applications at global news organizations show that technology can be a valuable tool to boost efficiency, deepen coverage, and build more personal connections with audiences. For developers and media organizations worldwide, these practices offer insights into the potential for ethical and responsible AI integration, always with full journalist control, to support quality journalism and business sustainability in the digital age.