Every week, another newsroom announces a new AI feature. But behind the headlines about every new AI tool lies a crucial question: how do you integrate AI in ways that truly matter to journalists?
For Upasna Gautam, Senior Product Manager at CNN and Chair of the Board of Directors at The News Product Alliance, it comes down to three essential questions she asks before implementing AI in the newsroom: What's your biggest goal? What's your most significant pain point? How do you measure success?
In our latest episode, Upasna breaks down the framework she's developed while leading technology transformation at CNN and supporting newsrooms globally as the News Product Alliance Board Chair. Her approach cuts through the hype, focusing on something more fundamental: identifying which problems are truly worth solving with AI.
Here are three takeaways from our conversation:
1️⃣ Practical AI Applications in Newsrooms
While building Stellar, CNN's new content management platform, Upasna identified three key areas where AI can enhance newsroom operations: workflow orchestration, data integration, and content modularity. These may not be the flashiest applications of AI, but they are where she sees the greatest potential to augment the work of journalists.
2️⃣ Building Buy-In for AI in Newsrooms
"I never skimp on context and justification," Upasna explains, describing her approach to introducing AI initiatives to journalists. Rather than starting with the technology, she emphasizes specific benefits: Here's how this will make your work easier. Here's the problem it solves. This approach has successfully transformed skeptical journalists into what she calls "mini PMs," empowering them to actively shape how technology is integrated into their work.
3️⃣ Making AI Work for Any Newsroom
While not every newsroom has CNN's resources, Upasna's evaluation framework is universally applicable, regardless of size: start with clear problems, not promising solutions; measure success in concrete terms; and most importantly, involve your journalists in the process.
Her insights serve as a valuable reminder: the key to success lies not in the technology itself, but in how thoughtfully it is applied.
In our conversation, Upasna shares detailed examples of successful AI implementations, common pitfalls to avoid, and strategies for building trust with editorial teams.
🎧 Tune in to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform.
P.S. Here's my prediction for 2025 on Nieman Lab about how AI will turn news into a conversation
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