The final report of INMA's two-year Generative AI Initiative emphasises that AI does not replace impactful journalism, remaining rooted in human judgment and strong reporting.

Its focus is how the news media industry has embraced AI – from initial curiosity to a range of implementations within two years – and is based on real-world case studies and original research.

‘Inside the Shift Toward AI-Driven News Operations’ highlights key areas of AI impact in the news industry, including: automating processes, supercharging reporting, serving existing audiences better, and improving the monetising of audiences.

It also delves into ROI and scaling for AI initiatives, drawing on lessons from other industries. The report is free to members and for purchase by non-members at INMA.org/reports

Written by INMA Generative AI Initiative Lead Sonali Verma, it explores the AI applications that have become foundational for news, alongside emerging trends poised to reshape the business.

Through learnings, insights, and perspectives gleaned from hundreds of conversations with INMA members all over the world, Verma spells out some of the best practices observed across the industry while emphasising that “AI does not replace impactful journalism; it remains rooted in human judgment and strong reporting”.

Among the report's case studies and examples are Amedia, HT Media, Newsquest, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Corriere della Sera, Aftonbladet, the New Zealand Herald, Schibsted, The Hindu, The Times Internet, BBC, Iltalehti, The Telegraph, Medien Hub, Newslaundry, Hearst, the Globe and Mail, Medienholding Süd, Bonnier News and others.

The report wraps up INMA's two-year Generative AI Initiative, exploring use cases of AI that are now minimum standards for anyone in the game, and shares the lessons learned from building them.