How do you maintain journalistic values while embracing a technology as transformative as AI? Der Spiegel seems to have struck a delicate balance.
In this week's podcast, Ole Reissmann, the director of AI at Der Spiegel, shares how they're approaching AI while always keeping their mission and audience at the forefront.
Der Spiegel, one of the largest newsrooms in Germany, is integrating AI not as a gimmick but as a potent tool to enhance and expand its journalistic mission. From automating SEO and fact-checking tasks to free up journalists for more complex reporting to explore audience-facing AI products, Der Spiegel is leveraging AI to strengthen its core values.
Their AI journey is a testament to the power of technology, but it's also a story of empowerment. With over 170 staff members already trained in AI basics, the newsroom is fostering a culture of AI literacy. This isn't just about understanding the capabilities of AI tools; it's about exploring their creative potential. Der Spiegel is empowering its journalists to approach AI with both curiosity and critical thinking, opening up new possibilities for their work.
This human-centric approach extends to Der Spiegel's audience-facing AI products, which they are currently prototyping. From a browser plugin that surfaces relevant background from their vast archives to audio versions of articles that boost accessibility, every innovation is designed with the audience in mind. As Ole puts it, the goal is always to enhance, not replace, the human experience of journalism.
However, the most impressive aspect of Der Spiegel's AI strategy is its long-term vision. By investing in foundational projects like a vector database of their news archive, they're not just solving today's problems - they're laying the groundwork for a future where AI is seamlessly integrated into every aspect of the newsroom.
Der Spiegel's commitment to its values shines through in initiatives like its AI-powered gender report, which uses AI to measure and improve gender representation in its coverage. It's a powerful example of how AI, when wielded with integrity and intention, can be a force for positive change in journalism.
And Der Spiegel isn't navigating this frontier alone. As Ole explains, collaboration among German news organizations is crucial for sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices. From partnering with Axel Springer on a shared press archive to exchanging insights with peers, Der Spiegel recognizes that the future of AI in journalism is a collaborative endeavor.
Far from chasing shiny objects or succumbing to the hype, Der Spiegel is approaching this transformative technology with a mix of openness and rigor, always guided by their north star: serving their audience and upholding the highest standards of journalism.
🎧 For more insights on Der Spiegel's AI journey, the challenges and opportunities they're encountering, tune in to the full episode available now on Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and other major podcast platforms.
Revolutionizing a Legacy Newsroom with AI at Germany's Der Spiegel: In Conversation with Ole Reissmann