Newsreport>>Earthquake • USA
.jpg)
On March 17, a mild earthquake struck California. In less than three minutes a report on the seismic event was up on the website of the Los Angeles Times. The remarkable breaking news feat was courtesy a robot writer. The paper has created an algorithm that automatically puts together a brief write-up whenever an earthquake occurs. “It does not replace the journalist, but instead allows available data to be quickly gathered and disseminated,” Ken Schwenck, journalist and the algorithm creator, told Slate. The technology draws on trusted sources, such as the US Geological Survey, and places data into a pre-written template. “A shallow magnitude 4.7 earthquake was reported Monday morning five miles from Westwood, California, according to the US Geological Survey. The tremor occurred at 6:25 am. Pacific time at a depth of 5.0 miles,” the report read.
Los Angeles Times uses another algorithm to report crime stories—with human editors deciding which ones need greater attention. “It makes journalism more interesting,” Schwenck said.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.