lswcapApplied Xlab offers a tool that automatically collects data for journalists. This helps to create quality content. Ultimately, the goal is to become a service not only for the press, but also for knowledge workers in all industries.
The startup, created by collaboration between New Lab, a technology platform based in Brooklyn, New York, and the Boston Globe, is led by Francisco Makoni, who served as head of R&D at the Wall Street Journal and lead AI strategy at AP.
“There is a ton of useful information for journalists, but data-driven journalism has very little application in the industry because only a few organizations have internal resources to create and analyze these tools,” he said.
Applied XLab automatically pulls data and extracts insights to create products that help newsrooms, starting with The Globe. Reporters can use AI to save time running with their feet. Globe is not the only place that uses AI to efficiently collect news and distribute content. The New York Times data organization has unveiled a variety of machine learning tools, and the Washington Post is also leveraging the power of AI from advertising content to simple article writing.
With the disappearance of regional newspapers, when one media company needs to expand its territory to other regions, it is difficult to decide what content to deal with in that region. The Boston Globe was also in this situation. Expanding the service to the Rhode Island region. They asked local residents what their interests were and made a list of items, but they felt limited in handling comprehensive information in a small newsroom. This is the reason why Applied X-Lab was partnered to find necessary data and find ways to effectively utilize reporters. “We don’t justify using AI tools to replace reporters or reduce manpower,” said Binai Mehra, president of Boston Globe. “Boston continues to hire reporters.”
What is important here is that if technology cannot be ignored, it is necessary to think about what is possible with AI, and how to contribute to the local community while realizing journalism. “These needs are needed not only for the press, but also for knowledge workers in various industries,” Makoni said.
Just like using Salesforce to manage sales, Applied XLab will build a platform for knowledge workers. “The reason we are launching services for press and reporters is because of the high standard of this field,” said Makoni. “If we can create information that can be used by editors, we can quickly expand into other industries.” .
Currently, NewLab is investing a significant amount of money in Applied XLab. Not only the funds, but the company’s back office services are all provided by New Lab. A free and creative company could be created through stable blood transfusion of existing companies.
“The power of AI has the potential to change the game in the media industry, and the tools NewLab and Applied XLab are building offer tremendous potential and create value in the media market,” said Mehra Boston Globe President. said.
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