How AI is changing the work of local newsrooms

The project examines how editors at a family-owned U.S. newspaper chain are adapting their daily work as artificial intelligence tools are introduced into newsroom workflows. As AI-supported features become part of a content management system, the study tracks editorial routines, decision-making and ethical considerations over time.

Rather than focusing on AI tools in the abstract, the research centers on how journalists experience these changes in practice. The project looks closely at how editors understand, adopt or resist new technologies while continuing to uphold editorial standards and community in a local news setting.

The research is being led by Prof. Meg Heckman and graduate student Vivica Dsouza.