NRC Takes Principled Step in AI Journalism
amsterdam, vrijdag, 24 oktober 2025.
The NRC has taken a principled step in integrating AI into the journalistic process, as outlined in the NRC Code since January 2024. Although the planned NRC Stembot was not realised due to internal resistance and reliability concerns, the editorial team recognises the potential value of AI. Editors are encouraged to use AI but with awareness of possible errors and shortcomings. The NRC continues to gain experience with responsible chatbots and plans a thorough evaluation of future AI projects.
AI in Journalism: A Principled Step Taken
The NRC has taken a principled step in integrating AI into the journalistic process, as outlined in the NRC Code since January 2024. Although the planned NRC Stembot was not realised due to internal resistance and reliability concerns, the editorial team recognises the potential value of AI. Editors are encouraged to use AI but with awareness of possible errors and shortcomings. The NRC continues to gain experience with responsible chatbots and plans a thorough evaluation of future AI projects [1].
Technology and Application
AI technology can be applied in various ways in journalism. One of the most important applications is automating data analysis, which helps journalists quickly gain insights into large datasets. This can, for example, assist in detecting trends in political opinions or financial markets. Additionally, AI systems can provide suggestions for content creation, such as generating summaries or identifying interesting stories. Fact-checking is another area where AI can contribute by quickly and accurately verifying information [2].
Impact on News Production and Consumption
The integration of AI in journalism has both positive and negative effects on news production and consumption. Positively, AI can increase the efficiency of journalistic activities, giving journalists more time to delve deeper into complex stories. Moreover, AI tools can help reach a broader audience through the personalisation of news content. Negatively, AI errors and shortcomings can lead to inaccuracies and disinformation. Therefore, it is crucial that editors always bear the ultimate responsibility for published material [1][2].
Ethical Considerations and Benefits
The implementation of AI in journalism comes with significant ethical considerations. One of the biggest concerns is the reliability of AI-generated content. AI systems, for example, may struggle with the nuances of language and context, leading to misinterpretations. Additionally, there is the question of transparency in AI usage. Readers have the right to clear information about how and where AI is used in the journalistic process. Another ethical aspect is the impact on the labour market. The introduction of AI can lead to changes in the role of journalists, implying a continuous need for support and training to keep them updated [3].
NRC’s Approach to AI
The NRC has adopted a cautious and principled approach to AI. After the non-realisation of the NRC Stembot, an AI-driven tool for voting advice, the editorial team decided to focus on responsible and transparent applications of AI. This means that every AI application is thoroughly tested and evaluated before being put into production. Furthermore, editors are continuously informed about the possibilities and limitations of AI, enabling them to make responsible decisions [1][4].
Future Perspectives
The future of AI in journalism is both promising and challenging. As technology continues to advance, it offers new opportunities for innovation and improvement in journalistic practices. The NRC remains actively involved in the discussion on the responsible use of AI and plans to conduct a thorough evaluation of current and future AI projects in the coming months. This evaluation will help further strengthen and refine the principled step that has been taken [1][2][3].