News Corp Australia now uses AI to generate 3,000 local news articles each week. The executive chair, Michael Miller, disclosed this at the World News Media Congress in Taipei.

A team of four, known as the Data Local unit, utilizes AI to create localized news stories that span across various topics, including weather, fuel prices, and traffic reports. Peter Judd, News Corp’s data journalism editor, leads the team (he is also the credited author for many of these AI-generated stories).

News Corp's AI supplements the work of reporters covering stories for the company's 75 "hyperlocal" mastheads spread across Australia, from Penrith to Cairns. AI-generated content such as "Where to find the cheapest fuel in Penrith" is supervised by journalists. However, there is currently no indication within the articles that they are AI-assisted.

These thousands of AI-generated "articles" are more service-information-oriented, according to a News Corp spokesperson. They emphasized that the automated updates on local fuel prices, court lists, traffic, weather, and other areas are all overseen by the Data Local team's journalists.

Miller revealed that a majority of their new subscribers sign up for the local news, but stay for the national, world, and lifestyle news. He also disclosed that 55% of all subscriptions are spurred by hyperlocal mastheads. Amidst the shift to digital platforms and local digital-only titles, News Corp seems to be harnessing the power of AI to enhance its hyperlocal news offerings.

The success of News Corp's AI usage in journalism suggests a trend that other newsrooms in Australia, like ABC and Nine Entertainment, may be considering. As media companies explore AI applications, the question becomes how to use it effectively to enhance content accessibility, personalization, and more.

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I'm puzzled - it somehow feels super spammy but it clearly works and drives the business & then they reduce churn by human made stories. Interesting hybrid. What everyone's take here on AI's increasing role in journalism?

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