Tool, Not Replacement: How We Use AI for Journalism
AI has become an indispensable part of modern journalism. At Keystone-SDA, we are working intensively to integrate AI into our daily editorial routine in a meaningful way. Our clear maxim is: the technology is not implemented for its own sake, but to gain time for genuine journalistic contextualization.
Digital Helpers in the Daily Editorial Routine
Currently, an internal test group is stress-testing various internally developed programs designed to provide relief in everyday editorial work:
- A Police Robot creates precise initial drafts based on media releases according to our standards.
- A Lead Generator offers various introductory options for texts written by our staff.
- A Research Assistant searches our own message archive and provides well-founded answers to complex questions.
- An Agency Agent drafts desired text forms based on entered documents and instructions.
Already today, our editorial team specifically uses Artificial Intelligence for the automated creation of infographics and short texts on topics such as elections, earthquakes, or football tables. In addition, chatbots have become an integral part of our daily editorial routine as supportive tools.
Quality Is a Human Decision
With the increase of AI-generated content on the web, the importance of monitoring and labeling grows. It is not just the information that content is AI-supported that is central, but the consistent checking of the result. Our top rule is: all content is consistently checked for substance, style, and logic. Should an error occur, the responsibility lies with the human, not the machine.
The Human Seal of Quality
Despite technological support, humans remain indispensable. In a flood of disinformation and "AI trash," distinguishing between the relevant and the irrelevant, as well as providing critical classification, is a purely human achievement. Empathy, reading between the lines, or being present on-site—for example, at a community meeting—cannot be replaced by any software. The goal remains the reliable guidance of the readership through verified and contextualized news.
Cornelia Jost, Head of Content Development, February 2026