“We’re not going to do a chatbot anytime soon”: Notes on RISJ’s AI and the Future of News symposium

On March 17, the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism (RISJ) hosted a one-day symposium at the University of Oxford, bringing together reporters, academics, and technologists to discuss AI and the future of news. The event took place amidst recent controversies surrounding AI-generated misquotes, Slack channel leaks, and critiques of journalism school curricula. The symposium aimed to step back from these debates and focus on the broader implications of AI for journalism, emphasizing ethical and effective use of the technology.

One of the key themes of the symposium was the diverse range of AI applications in journalism, beyond the more commonly discussed large language models (LLMs). A panel on AI adoption in investigative journalism highlighted the role of computer vision technologies, which have significant potential for enhancing investigative work. Ryan McNeill, the enterprise editor for geospatial investigations at Reuters, shared insights into the use of satellite imagery in news reporting. He noted that the first use of satellite imagery in journalism dates back to the early 2000s, but advancements in machine learning have transformed the capabilities of such technologies.

McNeill explained that with tools like Google Earth Engine, journalists can now process vast amounts of satellite imagery data, such as the Landsat archive from the 1970s and 1980s, in minutes or seconds. This has enabled Reuters' team to conduct detailed geospatial investigations, particularly in areas of global conflicts and human rights abuses. For instance, during the Sudanese civil war, Reuters manually assembled a database of satellite imagery of cemeteries across the Darfur region. The imagery relied on remote sensing, which captures the reflections or emission of electromagnetic energy, allowing for the detection of small mounds and other topographical changes on the earth's surface.

As famine swept across Sudan in 2024, the Reuters team utilized this imagery to provide critical insights into the situation on the ground. McNeill's work underscores the potential of AI-driven computer vision to support journalistic inquiry and uncover truths that might otherwise remain hidden.

The symposium also explored other aspects of AI's impact on journalism, including its role in data journalism, fact-checking, and content distribution. Experts emphasized the need for journalists to develop a nuanced understanding of AI's capabilities and limitations, as well as to prioritize ethical considerations in their use of the technology.

In addition to the panel discussions, the event featured presentations and case studies that showcased the diverse ways AI is being integrated into journalistic practices. These ranged from AI-assisted fact-checking tools to algorithms that help journalists identify emerging stories and trends.

Despite the potential benefits of AI for journalism, the symposium also acknowledged the challenges and risks associated with the technology. Participants acknowledged the need for robust guidelines and frameworks to ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI in news organizations.

In conclusion, the RISJ symposium on AI and the future of news provided a valuable opportunity for journalists, academics, and technologists to engage in thoughtful dialogue about the role of AI in shaping the news industry. While the event did not focus on the more contentious aspects of AI in journalism, such as AI-generated misquotes or Slack channel leaks, it offered a refreshing perspective by emphasizing the broader potential of AI to enhance investigative journalism and support critical inquiry. The symposium highlighted the importance of leveraging AI's capabilities, particularly in areas like computer vision and geospatial analysis, to uncover truths and hold power accountable in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.