Patch’s massive AI rollout was originally launched with humans

Hello! Here’s what’s in this week’s issue:

» Patch’s massive AI rollout was originally launched with humans

» White House newswire action could hurt local publishers

» Local news is still trusted

» Events: a new frontier for local publishers?

» What do audiences expect in the age of AI?

» New award for local business coverage

🤖 Patch’s massive AI rollout was originally launched with humans

This piece from Nieman Lab explores how Patch’s recent rollout of 30,000 AI powered hyperlocal newsletters was originally launched with human “curators”. These freelance writers are not reflected in the publisher’s assertion that AI “won’t replace the work of any of Patch’s journalists”.

🏛 White House newswire action could hurt local publishers

The Trump administration’s decision to remove wire services from their permanent positions in the White House press pool in favor of a rotating system could hurt local publishers according to Reuters. Local newsrooms who have no presence in Washington could lose critical access to up to date information, audio and video from the President.

📰 Local news is still trusted

A new study indicates that local news outlets are more trusted than national outlets, mostly because local journalists are perceived as more connected to and invested in their communities. However, this trust is fragile - as local media increasingly cover polarizing national issues, they risk being seen as biased, which could erode their credibility. Read more here.

🎈 Events: a new frontier for local publishers?

Local news organizations are increasingly turning to community events as a tool to boost engagement, revenue, and brand visibility. Editor & Publisher explores how these events, from town halls to cultural festivals, have proven effective in strengthening audience relationships and creating new monetization opportunities

🤔 What do audiences expect in the age of AI?

This piece from Poynter confirms that news audiences are skeptical about the use of generative AI in journalism. Readers have expressed concerns over transparency, trust, and the potential for misinformation. The findings suggest that while AI can assist in news production, people still prefer human oversight and clear disclosure when AI tools are used.

🎖 New award for local business coverage

The National Press Association and the US Chamber of Commerce have established a new local journalism award. The U.S. Chamber Award for Excellence in Local Business Reporting will be awarded annually and carry a $10,000 prize to recognize “outstanding coverage of local businesses across America”. Read more here.

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Local Stories

⏩ Houston Landing to cease operations in face of financial challenges

⏩ Oregon lawmakers to decide whether big tech should pay to support local journalism

⏩ Announcing $702,000 in grants to support Westchester’s pressing community needs, including local nonprofit journalism

⏩ Free Press Action Testifies That Oregon Journalism Bill Would Enrich Mega-Media Corporations and Harm the Public Interest

⏩ In Northern California, one news outlet commits to representing an entire community with fairness and curiosity

⏩ The Maine Monitor joins AP Fund for Journalism pilot project

⏩ Archbold Buckeye To End Publication, Marking Another Loss For Local Journalism

⏩ ‘Bad behavior’: AI website warned to stop scraping local news

⏩ Prebys Foundation invests $2 million in San Diego nonprofit news, including Times of San Diego

⏩ Talking local journalism with the University of Minnesota

⏩ Spokane’s Spokesman-Review is going nonprofit