How RHCJC Uses Artificial Intelligence

At the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center, we use artificial intelligence in limited and transparent ways to support our work — never to replace the human judgment that defines good journalism.

Artificial intelligence, or AI, refers to computer-based tools that can assist with tasks such as analyzing text, improving readability or generating audio versions of stories.

Our goal is simple: to make local news more accessible and inclusive. By using AI to support audio production and editing, we can offer more ways for people to consume the news — whether they prefer listening, need readable transcripts or benefit from clearer summaries.

1. How We Use AI
— Accessibility: Converting written stories into audio or plain-language formats to reach more people.

— Editing and support: Helping improve grammar, clarity and consistency — always reviewed by a human editor.

— Research and brainstorming: Summarizing background information or generating story ideas for journalists to explore.

— Distribution assistance: Adapting content for multiple platforms, such as websites and social media.

2. What We Don’t Do

— We don’t use AI to write articles or scripts, or to create photorealistic images.

— We don’t use AI to generate fictional or misleading content.

— We don’t publish anything that hasn’t been verified and approved by a journalist.

3. Ethics and Transparency

— All AI use is reviewed by a journalist before publication.

— When AI significantly contributes to a piece, we’ll disclose it.

— Human judgment always guides final decisions.

4. Our Commitment

AI tools help us enhance access, not replace people. We remain fully responsible for the accuracy and integrity of every story we share.

As technology evolves, we’ll continue reviewing how we use AI to ensure it always aligns with our mission: Reporting What Matters — with accuracy, fairness and trust.