Artificial intelligence also presents journalism with fundamental changes: Processes, content and role perceptions are changing and require new approaches. In this context, we spoke to Heilbronner Stimme, a leading regional medium that belongs to the Stimme media group and is actively exploring the potential of artificial intelligence. In the following guest article by editor Markus Merz, we can provide exciting insights into the concrete use of AI in editorial and publishing.
No AI use without a human component
At Heilbronner Stimme, we rely on advanced AI systems to automate news production and personalize content. By implementing algorithms for text recognition and generation, we can report on local events quickly and efficiently. One principle stands above all else: nothing we produce is created exclusively by AI. The human component plays a mandatory role in every application and has the final approval of the content in mind.
Specifically, we use tools such as Echobox (an algorithmic playout of social media posts), Lumen5 for video creation or Canva, constantly testing ourselves with new providers and opportunities offered by the ever-changing market. Of course, it's also about the automated production of print pages. ChatGPT is a constant companion in the optimization of fast news content for our leading news homepage stimme.de. We are also testing how the daily flood of incoming emails can be automatically organized and processed.
In the area of advertising sales and digital sales, there has long been a shift towards the automated creation of social media ads or even funeral videos. This makes us much more efficient and allows us to create much more personalized ads and videos. At the same time, however, we must not ignore the fact that the topic of grief, for example, is highly sensitive and we must not ignore the human component.
Together with a team from programming school 42 and our developers, we are working on an AI learning platform that will provide first-hand news and content. People from the city and region can share photos and information to create journalistic stories using AI, which will then be sent to the editorial team and turned into real-time news for our portals. This significantly increases the number of reporters and allows information to be gathered more quickly and comprehensively.
Artificial intelligence in journalism: more time for the in-depth
The integration of AI into journalism has numerous facets. It ranges from automated news articles and personalized content recommendations to the analysis of reader behavior. AI can process large amounts of data in real time and thus offers the opportunity to report on events accurately and promptly. This technology is increasingly being used to automate routine tasks, giving journalists more time for investigative research and in-depth reporting.
Automated message production
One of the most remarkable applications of AI in journalism is automated news production. AI systems can independently generate news articles from structured data. This is particularly useful when reporting on sporting events, financial markets and weather reports. These automated articles are often accurate and up-to-date, providing readers with a continuous flow of information.
Personalization and more tailored content thanks to AI
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing news portals through the personalization of content and the detailed analysis of reader behavior. By analyzing user preferences, AI can create tailored content recommendations, leading to stronger reader engagement and greater reach and impact of news. At the same time, the analysis of click numbers, dwell time and interactions provides valuable insights into the interests and needs of readers. These insights help media companies to optimize their offerings and produce more tailored content. AI then not only means new challenges, but above all opportunities for innovation, quality and new business models.
The role of the Stimme Media Group in the Heilbronn AI ecosystem
In recent years, the Stimme Mediengruppe has established itself as an innovative player in the Heilbronn AI ecosystem. Numerous AI technologies are used on a daily basis to optimize journalistic processes, increase reach and, above all, further increase relevance as a leading regional medium.
For Heilbronner Stimme, the ultimate goal is always to produce high-quality news, to inform our readers in the best possible way and to be an indispensable companion in their everyday lives. Artificial intelligence can be an effective tool in journalism - provided it is used responsibly and with journalistic standards.
About the Stimme Media Group
Stimme Mediengruppe is one of the leading regional media institutions in Baden-Württemberg. With its strong roots in the region and a broad portfolio of print and digital offerings, it promotes transparent access to information and plays an active role in shaping social dialog. As a reliable partner for sound journalism and future-oriented communication, the media group combines tradition with innovation - and thus makes an important contribution to democratic opinion-forming and digital transformation in the region.
About the author
Markus Merz has been Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Head of Digital at Stimme Mediengruppe since June 2023. Among other things, he is responsible for stimme.de and echo24.de. The 40-year-old is also an expert on stock market topics and reporting on the city of Stuttgart. Prior to his position in Heilbronn, Markus Merz worked for the Abendzeitung Munich, Stuttgarter Zeitung/Stuttgarter Nachrichten and RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND) in Hanover.