Applications of generative AI: use cases in journalism

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude.ai have a tendency to 'hallucinate' incorrect information - but they can still be useful in helping journalists generate a wider range of story ideas, more quickly get to grips with the systems they are reporting on, and tackle their own biases and limited experience. This talk works through some prompt design techniques for improving the use of genAI in the journailsm workflow.
Talk for FactCheck Africa AI Journalism Fellowship (West Africa), July 2024

1. Not a
robot.
No, it’s
Applications of Generative AI: Use Cases in Journalism

2. Who I am:
Course leader, MA Data Journalism
Birmingham City University

Data journalist, BBC Shared Data Unit

3. What I’ll talk about:
https://www.bcu.ac.uk/media/research/sir-lenny-henry-centre-for-media-
diversity/blog/six-principles-for-responsible-journalistic-use-of-generativ
e-ai-and-diversity-and-inclusion
Why generative AI is not evil
(it’s just not as good as you think)
Prompt design — and dangers

4. I’m talking about these tools:
ChatGPT: chat.openai.com
Google Gemini: gemini.google.com
Claude claude.ai
‘Custom GPTs’: chatgpt.com/gpts (limits)

These are Large Language Models (LLMs)

5. Generated with AI

6. “What ChatGPT deals
in is not truth; it is
plausibility.”
Tim Harford

7. Not all our work is about facts.
But…

8. Not all our work is about facts.
Journalism is also about creativity.
But…

9. Not all our work is about facts.
Journalism is also about creativity.
Succinctness and clarity.
But…

10. Not all our work is about facts.
Journalism is also about creativity.
Succinctness and clarity.
Coding.
But…

11. Not all our work is about facts.
Journalism is also about creativity.
Succinctness and clarity.
Coding.
And reflexivity.
But…

12. “They’re language models,
meaning they’re really
good at tasks involving
language. But they’re not
fact models, or verification
models, or math models.”
Gina Chua

13. Research

Scope diverse sources,
explore documents, form
advanced searches, and
write/fix code for scraping
and analysis
2
Pre-production

Idea generation and stimulation:
identify and map systems and
rules, apply brainstorming
frameworks (iceberg model, 5
whys, 8 angles of data journalism).
Planning.
1
Post-production

Optimisation and
reversioning
4
Production

Identify jargon and bias;
improve spelling, grammar,
structure and brevity
3
Applications of genAI in the journalism process

14. _Ideas and inspiration._

15. Sure, here are 10 story ideas centered around the concept of a "climate visa":
1.A New Beginning: Follow the journey of a family from a small Pacific island that has been
granted climate visas to relocate to New Zealand due to rising sea levels. Explore their
struggles with leaving their home, integrating into a new culture, and the emotional impact
of becoming climate refugees.
2.The Climate Visa Activist: A young environmental lawyer fights to establish a new
international policy for climate visas. The story follows her battles in court, the opposition
she faces from powerful industries, and her personal sacrifices, leading to a landmark
global agreement.
3.Climate Visa and the American Dream: A Midwestern American town facing severe
drought opens its doors to climate visa holders from Sub-Saharan Africa. The influx of new
residents brings cultural exchanges, economic challenges, and a renewed sense of
community as they all work together to rebuild.
4.The Last Generation: Set in 2050, a journalist documents the final years of a village in the
Arctic Circle before…
Generate 10 story ideas about [the climate visa]
??????

16. Certainly! Here are 10 feature ideas about the climate visa:
1."A New Home: Personal Stories of Climate Visa Holders": Dive deep into the lives of
several climate visa holders, exploring their journeys from climate-stricken homelands to
new beginnings in host countries. Highlight their struggles, adaptations, and hopes for the
future.
2."The Making of a Climate Visa: Behind the Policy": Explore the political and
bureaucratic processes involved in creating and implementing climate visa policies.
Interview policymakers, activists, and legal experts about the challenges and
breakthroughs in establishing this new form of migration.
3."Cultural Exchange: How Climate Migrants Enrich Their New Communities":
Highlight the positive cultural impacts of climate visa holders on their new communities,
showcasing stories of cultural exchange, integration, and mutual enrichment.
4."Economic Boon or Burden? The Financial Impact of Climate Visas": Analyze the
economic effects of climate migrants on local economies, examining both the challenges
and benefits. Include perspectives from economists, business owners, and the migrants
themselves.
OK. Generate 10 ideas for features about [the climate visa]
??????

17. Kate Moran: CARE: Structure for Crafting AI Prompts, 2024
Francesco Marconi, AI Prompt Writing for Journalists, 2023
Prompt design is a CAREful skill.
●Context: describe the situation (role, employer, events)
●Ask: request specific action
●Rules: provide constraints (audience, story type, length)
●Examples: demonstrate what you want
+Iterate, refine, and combine outputs (break down into
steps) The last 10% is 90% of the effort

18. To improve this prompt, you could consider the following suggestions:
1.Be more specific about the context of the "climate visa".
2.Define the scope or purpose of the features you're looking for.
3.Specify any constraints or requirements for the ideas.
4.Indicate the target audience or beneficiaries of these features.
5.Request a brief explanation for each idea.
Here's a revised version of the prompt:
"Generate 10 innovative features for a hypothetical 'climate visa' program designed to address
global climate change. For each feature, provide a brief explanation of its potential impact.
Consider aspects such as eligibility criteria, benefits, duration, and obligations for visa holders.
Ensure the ideas are diverse, covering environmental, economic, and social dimensions of
climate action."
How can I improve this prompt:
Generate 10 ideas for features about the climate visa

19. _Systems._

20. As an investigative journalist for a Nigerian national broadcaster targeting viewers aged 20-40, there are several
aspects of the school system that could be suitable for an in-depth investigation. Here are some potential areas to
explore:
1.Funding disparities: Investigate how educational resources are distributed across different regions, urban vs.
rural areas, or between public and private schools.
2.Examination malpractice: Look into the prevalence of cheating in national exams like WAEC or JAMB, and its
impact on the education system.
3.Teacher qualifications and training: Explore the quality of teacher education programs and how well-prepared
educators are for classroom challenges.
4.Infrastructure decay: Investigate the state of school buildings, facilities, and learning materials, especially in
public schools.
5.Curriculum relevance: Assess whether the current curriculum adequately prepares students for the job market or
higher education.
6.School dropout rates: Examine the factors contributing to high dropout rates, particularly among girls in certain
regions.
7.Impact of insecurity: Investigate how ongoing security challenges in some parts of Nigeria affect school
attendance and quality of education.
8.Brain drain in education: Look into the emigration of qualified teachers and its effect on the education system.
9.Corruption in education management: Investigate misuse of funds or nepotism in school administration and
education boards.
10.Access to technology: Explore the digital divide in schools and its impact on learning outcomes.
11.School feeding programs: Assess the effectiveness and implementation of government-sponsored school
feeding initiatives.
12.Special needs education: Investigate the availability and quality of education for students with disabilities.
These topics could resonate with your target audience, as many viewers aged 20-40 may have recent experiences with
the education system or have school-age children. An investigation into these areas could spark important
conversations about improving Nigeria's education sector.
Would you like me to elaborate on any of these potential investigation topics?
You are an [investigative] journalist working for a [Nigerian national broadcaster] aimed at an
audience [aged 20-40]. Identify parts of the [school system] that might be suitable for an [investigation].

21. Paul Couvert /
Tip: make it visual with Mermaid
1.Prompt: “Write code in Mermaid to explain ____”
2.(Make it human-centred, e.g. “How a person moves
through the system”)
3.Paste the code generated on mermaid.live/edit
Or: use the Custom GPT Diagrams: Show Me

22. Write code in Mermaid to show how a
person moves through the [UK criminal
justice] system from the point at which
[a crime is reported] to the point of
[sentencing]
*Starting
point!

23. Write code in Mermaid to
show how a person moves
through the [South African
criminal justice] system from
the point at which [a crime is
reported] to the point of
[sentencing]

24. Make it more detailed

25. Generate code that drills down
further into [the process of
bail being granted]

26. Potential Developments in South African Healthcare with NHI:
Storylines to Watch
The proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme promises a significant shakeup in South Africa's healthcare
landscape. Here are some potential developments and future storylines to keep an eye on:
Implementation and Funding:
●Rollout Strategy: How will the NHI be implemented? Phased approach, regional rollout, or nationwide launch?
●Funding Mechanisms: What funding streams will support the NHI? Tax increases, reallocation of existing
resources, or public-private partnerships?
●Cost Control Measures: How will the NHI manage costs? Focus on preventative care, negotiations with drug
companies, or tiered benefit structures?
Impact on Healthcare Delivery:
●Public-Private Partnerships: Will we see increased collaboration between public and private healthcare
providers under NHI?
●Workforce Shortages: Can the healthcare system address potential staff shortages, especially in rural areas?
●Technology Integration: How will digital health solutions like telemedicine be incorporated into the NHI system?
Accessibility and Equity:
●Reduced Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Will NHI effectively reduce the burden of out-of-pocket medical costs for all
South Africans?
●Addressing Geographic Disparities: How will NHI ensure equitable access to healthcare across the country's
diverse geography?
●Mental Health Integration: Will the NHI scheme adequately address the growing need for mental healthcare
services?
Long-Term Sustainability:
●Monitoring and Evaluation: How will the effectiveness and sustainability of the NHI be monitored and
evaluated?
●Public Perception: What will be the impact of NHI on public trust in the healthcare system?
●Adapting to Change: How will the healthcare system adapt to the evolving needs of the population under NHI?
These are just some of the potential developments and storylines to consider as South Africa navigates the
implementation of NHI. By closely following these issues, healthcare professionals can stay informed and prepare for
the significant changes ahead.
1.
You are a journalist writing for a specialist health magazine aimed at people working in the South
African health sector. New proposals for a National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme advocate the
creation of a state fund to cover the medical costs of all South Africans - most of whom are not
currently covered. Make a list of potential developments in this sector, or future storylines to plan
ahead for. Do not write a story.

27. “According to the IEA, a single Google search takes 0.3 watt-hours of electricity,
while a ChatGPT request takes 2.9 watt-hours. (An incandescent light bulb draws
an average of 60 watt-hours of juice.)” (Source)
“Generating an image using a powerful AI model takes as much energy as fully
charging your smartphone” (Source/research)
“Digital sobriety could be part of the actions that people can take as 21st-century
consumers and users of this technology. Asking yourself, “Do I really need to use
ChatGPT for generating recipes?” If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it with generative
AI.” — Sasha Luccioni
Danger ahead: environmental impact

28. _Sourcing._

29. Government Sources:
●National Department of Health (NDoH): The NDoH website provides official information on the NHI proposals,
including policy documents, white papers, and progress reports. https://www.health.gov.za/
●Parliamentary Health Committee: Review Parliament's website for transcripts of NHI discussions and debates.
https://www.parliament.gov.za/
Academic and Research Institutions:
●South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC): The SAMRC conducts research on healthcare financing
and publishes reports relevant to NHI. https://www.samrc.ac.za/
●Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town (UCT): UCT's Health Economics Unit produces research
and analysis on NHI implementation.
https://health.uct.ac.za/school-public-health/research-research-centres-units/health-economics-unit-heu
Industry Bodies and Associations:
●Council for Medical Schemes (CMS): The CMS represents private medical schemes and can offer insights on
the potential impact of NHI on the private sector. https://www.medicalschemes.co.za/
●South African Medical Association (SAMA): SAMA represents doctors and can provide perspectives on NHI's
impact on healthcare professionals. https://www.samedical.org/
News Media and Analysis:
●Health-focused publications: South African publications like "SA Health" or "Spotlight" often cover NHI
developments.
●Business and Financial Media: Newspapers and online publications may offer economic analysis of NHI's
funding and implementation.
Think Tanks and Advocacy Groups:
●Centre for Applied Public Health Research (CAPHR): CAPHR provides research and analysis on health
policy, including NHI. https://www.wits.ac.za/publichealth/
●Doctors for Life: This advocacy group offers a critical perspective on the NHI proposals.
https://doctorsforlife.co.za/
International Resources:
●World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO website offers resources on different models of national health
insurance. https://www.who.int/about/governance/constitution
●Commonwealth Fund: This US-based foundation publishes research on healthcare systems globally, including
NHI schemes. https://www.commonwealthfund.org/
1.
Suggest sources for a feature on the [National Health
Insurance (NHI) scheme].

30. Under the provisions of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (PAIA), I am writing to formally request
access to the following information related to contracts between [Name of the School] and suppliers of school
uniforms and sports kits:
1.Copies of All Contracts: Please provide copies of all current and past contracts between [Name of the
School] and suppliers of school uniforms and sports kits from the last five years.
2.Details of Suppliers: For each contract, please provide the names and contact details of the suppliers.
3.Contract Value and Duration: Details of the total value and duration of each contract, including any
renewal options or clauses.
4.Selection Process: Information on the procurement and selection process used to choose the
suppliers, including any calls for tender, evaluation criteria, and decision-making processes.
5.Performance Reports: Any performance reports, reviews, or assessments conducted by the school
regarding the suppliers' fulfillment of their contractual obligations.
6.Conflict of Interest Declarations: Copies of any conflict of interest declarations made by school
officials involved in the procurement process for these contracts.

You are a [South African journalist] working on an investigation into [schools'
contracts with suppliers of school uniform and sports kits]. Write an PAIA request
that can be sent to [each school] asking for details of the contract - anticipating
potential exemptions that they may try to use to refuse the request
Example

31. I anticipate that you may consider some of the requested information to be exempt from
disclosure under PAIA, particularly sections related to:
●Commercial Confidentiality (Section 36): Information that might prejudice the
commercial interests of the suppliers.
●Personal Privacy (Section 34): Information that might involve the personal
privacy of individuals.
However, I believe that the public interest in transparency and accountability regarding
the spending of public funds and the procurement processes outweighs these
considerations. Specifically:
●Public Interest Override (Section 46): Disclosure is justified in the public
interest, particularly where it promotes accountability and transparency in the use
of public funds and ensures that procurement processes are fair and competitive.
I would also like to assure you that any personal data not essential for understanding
the contractual relationships and procurement processes can be redacted to protect
individuals' privacy.
Example

32. Danger ahead: knowledge cutoff (and RAG)
ChatGPT/Gemini is only trained on data up to a particular date (e.g. Jan 2022,
April 2023, Nov 2023 depending on platform/version)
This is their ‘knowledge cutoff’.
Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) is a way of improving responses by
augmenting the query with other information
AI tools like Perplexity and Factiverse’s custom GPT use RAG to augment your
prompt with results of current searches. Others like AnythingLLM (“open-source,
private, chat with your documents”) augment with documents you connect it to.

33. Government and Official Sources
1.South African Government: Official announcements, white papers, and policy documents about the NHI
scheme.
○NHI White Paper
○Department of Health NHI Information
Academic and Research Institutions
2.University of Cape Town (UCT): Research papers and analyses by health policy experts.
○UCT Health Economics Unit
3.Wits University: Reports from the Centre for Health Policy.
○Wits Centre for Health Policy
4.Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC): Research articles and reports on the impact and feasibility of
NHI.
○HSRC Publications
Health Organizations and NGOs
5.Health Systems Trust (HST): Detailed reports and critical analyses on health systems and the NHI.
○HST Publications
6.SECTION27: Advocacy and analysis related to health rights and NHI.
○SECTION27 Publications
1.
You are a South African journalist with years of experience in
the health field. Suggest sources for a feature on the [National
Health Insurance (NHI) scheme].
Factiverse custom GPT

34. Danger ahead: bias and diversity
When prompted; “Who are the twenty most important actors of the 20th Century?”
ChatGPT did not name a single actor of colour
When prompted: “What are the important events in the life of Winston Churchill?”
Bing failed to mention his controversial views on race, his controversial role in
the Bengal famine, and his controversial views towards the Jews or Islam.
When prompted: “What are important facts about the American founding fathers?”
Chat GPT failed to mention that any of them owned slaves.
(Research by The Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, Birmingham City University)

35. Generative AI Diversity Guidelines
1.Be aware of built-in bias
2.Be transparent where appropriate
3.Build diversity into your prompts
4.Recognise the importance of source material and referencing
5.Report mistakes and biases
6.GAI-generated text should be viewed with journalistic scepticism
The Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, Birmingham City University

36. Here's a list of potential candidates:
1.Professor Thandi Mgwebi - A prominent health researcher and the Vice-Rector of Research, Innovation, and
Postgraduate Studies at a major university in South Africa. Her expertise in public health policy and community
health makes her a valuable contributor to discussions on NHI.
2.Dr. Haroon Saloojee - A respected academic at the University of the Witwatersrand with a focus on paediatrics
and child health. Dr. Saloojee's research on healthcare access for underprivileged communities can provide
critical insights into how the NHI could impact child health services.
3.Professor Alex van den Heever - Chair in the field of Social Security Systems Administration and Management
Studies at the Wits School of Governance. His critical views on health economics and policy analysis could offer
a robust examination of the NHI's financial frameworks and sustainability.
4.Dr. Lydia Cairncross - A health activist and academic with a background in public health and surgery. Based at
the University of Cape Town, her direct involvement in healthcare delivery and policy advocacy ensures a
grounded perspective on the practical challenges and benefits of the NHI.
5.Professor Olive Shisana - A public health expert and former CEO of the Human Sciences Research Council.
Professor Shisana has served as an advisor on health to the presidency, offering a strategic view on national
health policies, including the NHI.
6.Dr. Nicholas Crisp - A deputy director-general in the National Department of Health who has been instrumental
in the implementation of the NHI pilot projects. His firsthand experience in rolling out the NHI pilot can provide
practical insights and updates on progress.
7.Professor Hoosen Coovadia - A renowned expert in maternal and child health and infectious diseases, based
in KwaZulu-Natal. His extensive research and academic contributions could offer a critical analysis of how the
NHI could address public health crises.
1.
*Starting
point!
You are a South African journalist with years of experience in the health field. Suggest
academic experts for a feature on the [National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme].
Make sure they represent the diversity of society.

37. 1.Statistics South Africa (Stats SA): They provide demographic data and health surveys that can
offer insights into healthcare needs across different population groups.
2.South African Health Review: Published annually by the Health Systems Trust, this resource
offers in-depth analysis of health systems and policy, including NHI developments.
3.District Health Barometer: Also by the Health Systems Trust, this publication provides
district-level health data, which can highlight disparities in healthcare access and quality.
4.Rural Health Advocacy Project (RHAP): They focus on rural healthcare issues, providing data
and analysis on how NHI might impact under-served rural communities.
5.South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC): Their research often includes data on health
disparities and can provide insights into how NHI might address these.
6.Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC): They conduct social science research, including
studies on healthcare access for marginalised groups.
7.Department of Health NHI Reports: Official government data and progress reports on NHI
implementation.
8.People's Health Movement South Africa: They advocate for equitable healthcare and may have
data on how NHI impacts vulnerable populations.
9.Section27: A public interest law centre that focuses on health and education. They often publish
reports with data on healthcare access for disadvantaged groups.
10.Treatment Action Campaign (TAC): While focused on HIV/AIDS, they also advocate for broader
healthcare access and may have relevant data on how NHI affects HIV-positive individuals.

Suggest data sources for a feature on the [National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme]. Make sure
sources are included which have data on under-represented groups.
*Starting
point!

38. Certainly. Here are some document-based sources for your feature on the National Health Insurance
(NHI) scheme, including sources that relate to under-represented groups:
1.National Health Insurance Bill, 2019
2.White Paper on National Health Insurance (2017) - Department of Health
3."Towards a Unified Health System: NHI Policy Implementation" - Report by the South African
Human Rights Commission (2021)
4."The Impact of NHI on Rural Healthcare Delivery" - Rural Health Advocacy Project Research
Paper (2020)
5."NHI and Disability Rights: An Analysis" - Disabled People South Africa Policy Brief (2022)
6."LGBTQ+ Health Needs and the NHI" - Triangle Project Position Paper (2021)
7."Indigenous Health Practices and NHI Integration" - Traditional Healers Organization of South
Africa Report (2023)
8."Women's Health and the NHI: Addressing Gender Disparities" - Gender Health and Justice
Research Unit, University of Cape Town (2022)
9."NHI Implementation: Lessons from Pilot Sites" - Health Systems Trust Evaluation Report (2020)
10."Financing Universal Health Coverage in South Africa through a Socially Inclusive NHI" - Studies
in Poverty and Inequality Institute Working Paper (2021)
11."The Projected Economic Impact of NHI on the Private Healthcare Sector" - Bureau for Economic
Research, Stellenbosch University (2023)
12."NHI and Mental Health Service Provision" - South African Depression and Anxiety Group Policy
Analysis (2022)
13."Healthcare Access for Farm Workers under NHI" - Women on Farms Project Research Report
(2021)
14."NHI and HIV/AIDS Treatment: Ensuring Continuity of Care" - Treatment Action Campaign
Position Paper (2020)
15."The Role of Community Health Workers in NHI Implementation" - South African Medical Journal
Research Article (2023)

Now, suggest some document-based sources
Make sure sources are included which relate to under-represented groups.
*Starting
point!

39. _Search._

40. Google dorks (advanced searches)
●DorkGPT (specify websites, doc types, time ranges,
language)
●Henk Van Ess’s Google Word Sniper will generate
advanced search queries (follow his newsletter too)
●And his AI Search Whisperer suggests better searches
●Custom GPTs: Dork Genius (search chatgpt.com/gpts for
‘dork’ for others); EarthGPT helps with satellite imagery

41. site:moh.gov.gh filetype:pdf
after:2020-10-01 before:2023-12-31
"health disparities" OR "health
inequalities" OR "health inequities"
PDFs on the Ghana ministry of health
website mentioning health disparities or
synonyms for that between October 1 2020
and December 31 2023

42. _Summaries._

43. Danger ahead:
Generated with AI

44. Generative AI tools have a “token limit” on both input and output. 1 token = ~4
words. In practice this means it cannot ingest too much text in a prompt, or
generate text beyond a certain word count.
Try breaking it down into sub-tasks that can be later combined. You can ask
ChatGPT to break it down for you too.
GenAI tools can hallucinate incorrect or misleading information, especially where
it has insufficient training data or doesn’t understand your prompt. Reduce the risk
of hallucination through reducing ambiguity, giving examples/templates,
iteration (e.g. yes/no confirmations) and grounding (limit sources used).
Check and always follow up on initial responses.
Danger ahead: token limits, hallucination

45. 6 ways to prevent hallucinations
1.Limit the possible outcomes (yes/no; multiple choice)
2.Pack in relevant data and sources unique to you
3.Create a data template for the model to follow
4.Give the AI a specific role—and tell it not to lie
(+ explicitly instruct the LLM to stick to the provided material)
5.Tell it what you want—and what you don't want
6.Experiment with the temperature in ChatGPT Playground (lower =
more predictable/less ‘creative’)
+Also: “break long summaries down into chunks and iteratively
summaris[e] those chunks” (Henry Cooke, BBC R&D)
+Tell the LLM to check its own work

46. You are a prize-winning professional crime reporter. You
have years of experience as a reporter and editor,
extensive editorial knowledge, and excellent judgment for
what makes a compelling news story. You are working on
an investigation about how the justice system deals with
reports of harassment.

Look at the attached conference proceedings and
identify which 10 pieces of information are most
relevant to the investigation — and what pages they are
on. Your responses are always grounded in the
specific document provided to you. Do not lie.

Internally generate three possible responses, then
evaluate each for accuracy against the context
Prompt adapted from Finding Newsworthy Documents using Generative AI and Jdonovan

47. _Subbing._

48. Template prompt: jargon/clarity
https://chatgpt.com/share/dd951299-f442-4177-b8a4-051934e8cbf8
You are an editor on a news website aimed at UK
readers aged 30-50. Identify any jargon in this article by
a new reporter in the team that could be written in plainer
language.
Do not make any changes - just explain what
changes you would make and why.
Add further explanation for the reporter so they can
avoid making the same mistakes in future.
[PASTE FIRST FEW HUNDRED WORDS]

49. Example response:
Here are a couple of terms and ways to phrase things that could be clarified for a
wider audience:
●Missing incidents: This is a clear term, but some readers might be more
familiar with "missing person reports."
●U.K. residences of black descent: This phrasing is a bit formal. Consider
"Black Britons" for a more natural flow.
●Proportionally: This word is perfectly fine, but "at a rate consistent with their
demographics" might be easier for some readers to understand.

50. Template prompt: bias in writing
https://chatgpt.com/share/dd951299-f442-4177-b8a4-051934e8cbf8

You are an editor on a news website aimed at UK
readers aged 30-50. Identify any potential bias in the
article and steps the journalist can take to address
those.
[PASTE FIRST FEW HUNDRED WORDS]

51. Example response:
●"This six-part legislation seeks to combat crimes motivated by aspects
of an individual’s perceived identity. For example, race or disability.": The
phrase "seeks to combat" implies a positive intent, which could be seen as
supporting the legislation without providing a balanced view.
●"Principles like openness and truthfulness in the Scottish police will be
explained.": This statement assumes the new law will inherently promote
these principles, which might not be universally agreed upon.
●The article does not present any viewpoints or criticisms from those
who might oppose the legislation. This could give the impression that the
new law is universally accepted and uncontroversial.

52. Template prompt: perceived bias
https://chatgpt.com/share/1649a981-d1b8-4725-ab0e-2ebd13d8741a
Prompt adapted from Trusting News: Can ChatGPT and AI help us prevent bias and polarization in our reporting?
You are an editor on a news website aimed at UK
readers aged 30-50. How might this story be received
by people on opposite sides of the issue?

Limit your response to how they might feel about the
story and the way it is written, rather than the broader
issues.
[PASTE FIRST FEW HUNDRED WORDS]

53. ●Concerns about Free Speech: Opponents of the legislation, particularly
those concerned about free speech and potential overreach by the
government, are likely to view the article with skepticism or outright criticism.
●Critique of the Narrative: They might feel the article portrays the legislation in
a one-sided manner, focusing more on its intended benefits rather than
potential drawbacks such as impacts on freedom of expression or concerns
about vague definitions of what constitutes hate speech.
●Legal and Practical Concerns: Critics might also feel that the article does not
adequately address their concerns about the practical implications of
the law, such as its enforcement and the potential for misuse or chilling
effects on legitimate speech.
Example response:

54. Key points
●It’s not a robot. It’s a prediction script, which is as good as the
data it’s trained on and the prompt that you write.
●But it can be a useful sounding board: it has read the web,
and has a feel for the patterns of language and what ‘people
would say’.
●Use it to formalise checks for bias, jargon, diversity and
counter cognitive bias.

55. Useful resources
●Journalismaidiscovery.com
●The Generative AI in the Newsroom Project
(Colab notebooks using the ChatGPT API)
●Trusting News: Can journalists use AI to combat bias and polarization?
●Playlist: ChatGPT and generative AI in the newsroom (Knight MOOC)
●Tips on prompting image generation
●Tips on using ChatGPT to generate advanced search queries (OSINT)
●Prompting Techniques and Best Practices for Journalists
●Beginner’s prompt handbook: ChatGPT for local news publishers

56. Further watching