Pulitzer chief advocates AI and journalistic collaboration

Marina Walker Guevara, the executive editor of the Pulitzer Center, is at the forefront of transforming investigative journalism through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and collaborative efforts among journalists across the globe. In an interview with La Nacion, she addressed the intersection of traditional investigative practices and emerging technologies, highlighting the profound changes currently underway in news publishing and content creation.

Walker Guevara, originally from Mendoza, Argentina, began her journalism career at the local newspaper Los Andes. Her work has since taken her to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), where she played a pivotal role in high-profile investigations such as the Panama Papers and Paradise Papers. These cases involved the coordination of hundreds of journalists worldwide, working collaboratively to sift through vast amounts of leaked financial data to unveil tax evasion, money laundering, and other illicit activities. This trend marks a significant shift from the solitary pursuits often seen in traditional journalism, as the complexities of modern global issues necessitate collaborative networks that can share resources and knowledge.

Walker Guevara noted that the evolution of investigative journalism emphasises the importance of trust built among colleagues. “The big difference in investigations over the last two decades is that we rely on the trust we’ve developed among colleagues and technology to be more efficient, to overcome financial or geographical limits, and to protect ourselves as a community,” she said. This reflects the changing landscape where journalists must now navigate multi-dimensional challenges that require insights from diverse sectors and specialisations, ultimately enhancing the quality of investigations.

Key to this transformation is the use of AI tools. Walker Guevara highlighted how Pulitzer Center fellows employed machine learning and satellite imagery to detect illegal landing strips in the Amazon, a task that would have been virtually impossible without contemporary technological advances.

She believes that technology, when aligned with strong journalistic values such as truth and thoroughness, can yield substantial, impactful narratives. However, she also cautioned against over-reliance on technology, emphasising the irreplaceable importance of traditional techniques like fact-checking and in-person interviews.

The conversation on sustainability in investigative journalism is equally vital as financial models shift within the media landscape. Walker Guevara indicated that media organisations have successfully converted readers into subscribers by advertising their exclusive access to high-quality investigative journalism as a valuable benefit. She advocated for newsrooms to foster talent development and discover innovative formats for storytelling, such as integrating video, audio and even theatrical presentations to engage a wider audience. To succeed, she emphasised the necessity of understanding audience needs and establishing trust in a climate where public confidence in media is waning.

In terms of the future direction of the Pulitzer Center, Walker Guevara expressed a commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and encouraging experimentation in storytelling methods. It is actively involved in training journalists to examine the societal impacts of AI, scrutinising how these technologies can both aid and hinder social equity, as well as promoting environmental journalism. Moreover, she called for a comprehensive understanding of global warming’s societal implications, placing emphasis on underreported narratives.

Addressing the challenges of misinformation and increased polarisation, Walker Guevara proclaimed that adherence to rigorous journalistic standards is essential. “The best antidote to not being part of misinformation networks… is to honour the journalistic method,” she said.

Furthermore, she underscored the significance of preparing for a digital age awash with data, stating that journalists must develop skills to dissect the overwhelming information landscape to extract crucial insights. This speaks to the necessity for evolving educational frameworks for aspiring journalists, who should be encouraged to learn data analysis and embrace collaboration over isolationist reporting methods.

Source: Noah Wire Services