AI in the Newsroom: A Tool, Not a Replacement
By: Nonnette C. Bennett
In today’s digital era, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the newsroom is inevitable, but it must be applied with discernment. Jaemark Tordecilla, media adviser to various companies and organizations, presented AI tools and applications that can help media practitioners in the Cordillera deliver credible news articles.
He emphasized that journalists remain the most important element in information delivery. AI outputs must be vetted to ensure accuracy and truthfulness. “AI cannot be left alone to write and deliver the news,” he noted.
Tordecilla showcased a search tool he designed to extract stories from audit reports by asking the right questions. While AI excels at processing large volumes of text and producing quick summaries, he stressed that it takes a journalist’s experience and editorial judgment to identify the stories that matter.
Zach Seward, Editorial Director of AI Initiatives at The New York Times, echoed this perspective: “The common element in each of those generative-AI projects is that they aren’t really generating something new. They’re creating summaries, extracting information, and structuring data in a more usable form.” Platforms such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Notebook LM exemplify this, enabling users to research, analyze, and structure information, including audio and video materials according to specific needs.
AI’s capabilities extend further: it can investigate datasets within minutes, identify patterns in politics or social media, detect deepfakes, and provide transcription and translation services. These varied applications like chatbots, custom bots, specialized tools, agentic workflows, and coding agents are increasingly assisting journalists in their work.
Tordecilla acknowledged that while fears persist about AI replacing newsroom anchors or reporters, the greater disruption may occur in editorial and creative roles. “AI can do the work of editors more efficiently, if used well,” he said, adding that graphic design and marketing tasks are also vulnerable, as AI can generate images on demand.
Still, he concluded with caution that AI is a good and efficient tool, but “it does not have the intelligence” to present news with credibility and “is not great at producing original ideas.”
The AI for Data-Driven Reporting Workshop, where these insights were shared, was organized by PLDT and SMART Public Engagement and Corporate Communications Group under Vice President Roberto A. Alampay. The program, promised to Baguio media in August 2025, responds to the rapid progression of new and emerging technologies shaping journalism today.
