News Corp Australia generates 3,000 AI-powered news articles weekly using generative artificial intelligence through Data Local on weather, fuel prices, and traffic
News Corp Australia’s executive chair, Michael Miller, revealed that the media giant has been producing a staggering 3,000 news articles through the use of AI weekly.
This represents a remarkable breakthrough in the realm of AI advancements.
AI-powered news generation
These AI-generated stories focus on hyperlocal topics, including weather updates, fuel prices, and traffic reports. The innovation is led by Peter Judd, News Corp’s data journalism editor, and many articles carry his byline.
The initiative is part of the Data Local team’s efforts to supplement content written by reporters for the company’s 75 “hyperlocal” mastheads scattered across the country, such as Penrith, Lismore, Fairfield, Bundaberg, and Cairns.
News Corp confirms human oversight
While the stories are AI-generated, a News Corp spokesperson clarified that they are overseen by journalists, assuring the credibility and accuracy of the content. However, no explicit disclosure in the articles indicates their AI origin.
The spokesperson highlighted that the AI-generated content mainly serves as service information, updating local fuel prices daily, court lists, traffic and weather updates, and death and funeral notices.
The Data Local team, consisting of four staff members, ensures that all information and editorial decisions adhere to journalistic standards.
Boosting news subscriptions through artificial intelligence
During the World News Media Congress in Taipei, Michael Miller emphasised that the appeal of local news draws in a significant portion of News Corp’s subscribers. He shared that 55% of all subscriptions are driven by their “hyperlocal” mastheads, which has recently increased with the launch of 24 new such titles.
These digital-only mastheads are established in regions with a population of at least 15,000 and are often staffed by a single journalist.
The company believes that if these journalists can generate seven new subscriptions per week, their salary is justified by the revenue generated.
AI in the media landscape
News Corp’s adoption of AI in news generation reflects a growing trend in the media industry. Many newsrooms in Australia are exploring ways to harness AI’s potential.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) focuses on AI applications that enhance content accessibility, such as transcription of audio content, AI voice-powered text-to-speech delivery of articles, translation, and personalised recommendations.
However, Nine Entertainment is yet to share its specific AI policy.
As AI technology continues to evolve, it poses both opportunities and challenges for the media industry, raising questions about content authenticity, journalistic oversight, and the future of news production and consumption.
