Automated journalism

In automated journalism, also known as algorithmic journalism or robot journalism, news articles are produced using computer programs. Using artificial intelligence (AI) software, stories are automatically produced by computers rather than human editors. These programs interpret, organize, and present data in a human-readable manner. Typically, the process involves an algorithm that scans large amounts of submitted data, selects from pre programmed article structures, organizes key points and adds details such as names, locations, quantities, rankings, statistics and other numbers. The output can also be customized to suit a specific sound, tone or style.

Early applications were mostly used for stories based on statistics and numerical numbers. Common topics include sports, weather, financial reports, real estate analysis and earnings reviews. StatSheet, the online platform for college basketball, is powered by a fully automated program. The Associated Press began using automation to cover 10,000 minor league baseball games each year using statistics from Automated Insights and MLB Advanced Media. Outside of sports, the Associated Press also uses automation to create stories about corporate performance. In 2006, Thomson Reuters announced that it was moving to automation in the production of financial news for its online news platform. Most famously, an algorithm called Quakebot published a story about the 2014 California earthquake in The Los Angeles Times within three minutes of the shaking stopping.

Pros of Automated Journalism:

• Speed
• Cost
• Error Free

Cons of Automated Journalism:

• Authorship Issue
• Doubt on Quality and Trustworthiness
• Employment Problem