BR chief says trust is media’s key currency in AI age

Bavarian broadcaster BR will use artificial intelligence to support journalism while keeping editorial responsibility with its journalists, BR director Katja Wildermuth said ahead of the 40th Media Days in Munich. BR24 reported her comments on Tuesday.

Wildermuth said the focus should move beyond what AI is doing to journalism to what journalism can do with AI. She said BR had decided not to leave the field to a handful of technology executives who could influence what people see, hear and think.

BR launched its own AI-based news assistant on October 13. It summarises content from editorially verified BR24 and Tagesschau programmes and provides links to the sources. The assistant generates individual answers to users’ questions but draws only on material researched and checked by journalists.

Wildermuth said the tool offers users a protected space for information. She stressed that BR journalists remain responsible for checking sources and facts and providing context, and that the broadcaster retains overall editorial responsibility.

Trust is the most important currency in the AI-dominated media age, Wildermuth said, adding that transparency and care in handling the public’s trust would strengthen BR’s position. She also called for alliances among quality media, saying they would need to connect their information spaces to succeed in the AI era. BR is open to working with partners that share its standards, she said.

The Media Days run from Wednesday to Friday, bringing together about 5,000 participants to discuss the future of the media industry.