Leveraging Tech for Better Journalism
The intersection of technology and journalism has never been more exciting. Advancements in AI, automation, and new technologies are enabling journalists to streamline workflows, spot emerging trends, and present complex stories in ways that are both engaging and easy to digest. This tech-driven shift is transforming storytelling, making the media landscape more dynamic and impactful.
Today, we explore how technology empowers journalists to personalize their content, meet readers' needs, and better connect with their audiences.
Journos & techies - let's grab drink and chat! ?? ??
Speaking about the intersection of tech and journalism...
We’re heading to this year’s International Journalism Festival, and we’re bringing journalists and tech professionals together for a laid-back, insightful conversation.
How can newsrooms make the most of new tech? How do we break down silos between editorial and tech teams? And most importantly - how can we actually help each other?
Join us for drinks and conversation with Marcela Kunova (Journalism.co.uk), Andrew Webb (Connectopia Ltd), our CEO Naomi Owusu , and other media professionals for great discussions and new connections! ??
?? Here's what you can expect from today's newsletter:
???? Personalised News, Engaged Readers: Tech solutions publishers use to connect with their audience.
?? How Newsrooms Use Tech to Meet User Needs: Key stages of implementation and tips for success.
?? AI Summaries: A One-Click Engagement Boost: How AI-powered summaries enhance reader interaction.
Personalised News, Engaged Readers ????
More and more newsrooms are using technology, particularly AI, to personalize the news experience for their readers. This drives higher engagement, as people are more likely to comment, share, and join discussions on content that matches their interests.
In fact, 80% of media leaders surveyed in the Reuters report said using AI to improve personalisation and recommendation will be important for them in 2025.
Paul Hood recently highlighted how publishers are already using AI to enhance their personalisation strategies: for example, Clarín uses UalterAI to provide multiple formats for news articles, and RCS MediaGroup has developed a virtual assistant to enhance readers' experiences.
However, personalisation also carries the risk of creating echo chambers, where readers are only exposed to content that aligns with their existing preferences. This can result in important but less popular stories being overlooked. Laura Gartry highlights how personalisation can still align with journalistic values by:
?? Read the full article by Laura Gartry here:
How Newsrooms Use Tech to Meet User Needs ??
User needs have been an ongoing topic in journalism for a while now, with major publications like Metro.co.uk and 纽约时报 integrating them into their editorial strategies.
But where should newsrooms start their user needs journey?
In her latest blog post, Fiona Pepiqi breaks down the stages of user needs' implementation:
?? Pre-Implementation: Newsrooms analyze a representative sample of existing content, categorizing each piece by user need and linking it to business value. Next, user data is assessed to identify the ideal audience, shaping content strategies that best serve their interests.
?? Implementation: Tagging content with user needs allows for deeper analysis and impact measurement. Tracking KPIs continuously helps evaluate performance and refine strategies to better meet audience needs.
?? Want to know which tech stack supports each stage? Read the full blog post here.
One format that naturally fits into this user-focused approach is liveblogging. By delivering real-time updates and engaging elements, live blogs can effectively meet multiple user needs:
?? Update Me: Instant, rolling coverage keeps readers informed as events unfold.
?? Keep Me Engaged: Features like comment sections, polls, and quizzes encourage interaction, while multimedia like social media embeds and videos break up text for a more dynamic experience.
?? Help Me: Live blogs often become go-to resources, offering expert Q&As, curated advice, and practical tips - whether it’s breaking news, major events, or consumer guides like Black Friday shopping strategies.
?? Discover how Stuff uses our liveblogging tool to elevate their engagement strategy:
Looking for new ways to engage with your readers?
Don’t miss the Redefining Engagement interview series by Contribly , where Francesca Dumas , Director of Audience Development and Strategy, discusses audience engagement strategies with media industry experts.
AI Summaries: A One-Click Engagement Boost ??
AI has already proven to be a valuable tool for journalists across various aspects of their work. One application that stands out in increasing reader engagement is AI-generated summaries.
For example, The Telegraph saw a 20% boost in click-through rates when adding AI-generated summaries at the top of email newsletters. Similarly, Swedish daily Aftonbladet found people spend longer on articles with AI-generated summaries on the top.
?? More on how journalists use AI, its benefits, and use cases - in our blog post:
??? Live Blog Calendar: Events to Cover in Q2
Major global events offer fantastic opportunities for publishers to engage their readers.
We’re constantly tracking global festivals, conferences, sports, and other events that capture readers' attention worldwide. The biggest events happening in April, May, and June 2025 are already on our calendar, along with best practices from publishers who’ve covered them in the past.
#TeamTickaroo recommends:
Big thanks for sticking with us, and see you soon!
Happy Liveblogging,
Tickaroo Team
Tickaroo is your live content software expert. Based in Regensburg, Germany, we equip publishers to deliver real-time updates, captivating content, and standout live coverage effortlessly. From breaking news to events and sports, we've got the tools to make your coverage a success. Interested in more? Let's chat