AI tools empower journalists to enhance reporting and cross-border monitoring

Journalists are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence to overcome technical barriers and enhance reporting capabilities. Hsieh Wen-chun, a project manager at the AI Technology Foundation and former CBC producer, demonstrated this by developing a news monitoring tool, ‘What’s Trending in China’, despite having minimal programming background. Using ‘vibe coding’ and AI-generated code, she utilized Baidu’s API to track trending topics, providing real-time inspiration for cross-border reporting on social issues.

Hsieh emphasizes that while AI can automate up to 95% of coding tasks, fundamental technical knowledge remains essential for troubleshooting. She notes that while AI expands a journalist's reach, professional judgment is required to navigate censorship and verify information.

This shift toward human-AI collaboration is further explored in the book ‘The Journalist in the AI Era’ by veteran journalist Jia Yong. The work argues that AI should serve as an extension of human ability—a ‘wing’ rather than a ‘heart’—rather than a replacement. The text outlines a framework for maintaining journalistic integrity, asserting that core responsibilities such as on-site presence, value selection, and ethical accountability must remain strictly human domains.