AI tool boosts hyper-local reporting for Stuff Group

AUCKLAND, Today: Stuff Group is trialling Democracy AI to improve reporting on council minutes and government reports. This AI tool helps journalists scan and report on local decision-making documents, offering communities clearer insights into local governance.

Joanna Norris, Stuff Masthead Publishing Managing Director, says the AI tool enhances coverage of democratic processes but requires journalist oversight. “Democracy is the power of people to participate in decision making, but without knowing exactly what is happening where and when, that power is diluted,” she says.

The tool streamlines news gathering, allowing reporters to focus on in-depth storytelling.

Waikato Times Editor Jonathan MacKenzie praises the AI’s efficiency. “We have 11 local authorities in our coverage area so this tool is a win-win for our widely dispersed audience and the newsroom,” he says.

“It’s like having an army of worker bees happily going about their toil, allowing our reporters to focus on more complex and meaningful stories that provide context for readers in their everyday lives.”

“It’s far better for my staff to be out talking to people and digging for stories than stuck behind a desk reading a council agenda. In my experience the best journalism is done when there’s more time for prospecting in the field and that’s what AI support affords us.”

The Democracy AI tool has been on trial for several weeks, producing content that journalists cross-reference with source documents. The team plans to use this content in print after the trial period.

“Our mission is to help make Aotearoa better and there is no better way to do this than by finding innovative, responsible ways to hold our public representatives, councils and Government to account.” – Joanna Norris

The tool can edit stories, write summaries, and create headlines, facilitating a seamless transition from digital to print. In The Waikato Local title, it powers the ‘Ratepayers’ Roundup’ column.

“AI is a powerful tool for journalists, eliminating time-consuming manual processes and allowing reporters to focus on the high-impact investigative journalism, local human interest stories and analysis that AI can’t deliver,” says Norris.

“It brings the kind of efficiencies other technology advances have over the years. I’m old enough to remember when email came to our newsrooms – this feels as transformative.”

She emphasises the need for checks, training, and adherence to editorial ethics, including transparency about AI usage.

Norris developed the tool during an AI for Business program with New Zealand business leaders. After the two-month pilot, the Stuff team will refine the tool before considering a broader rollout.

“Our mission is to help make Aotearoa better and there is no better way to do this than by finding innovative, responsible ways to hold our public representatives, councils and Government to account,” says Norris. “This is AI for the people, improving the hyper-local news we publish and allowing our journalists to focus on the unique content AI cannot deliver.”