AI in Journalism: Groundbreaking Insights from UNL Student Naomi Delkamiller

As August 2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a conversation that has significantly shaped my understanding of AI in journalism. Just over a month ago, on July 20, 2024, I had the privilege of interviewing Naomi Delkamiller, a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), on my podcast. Her insights continue to resonate, providing valuable perspectives on the intersection of AI and journalism.

Naomi’s journey through a groundbreaking 16-week AI and journalism course led by Professor Matthew Waite is a testament to UNL’s commitment to cutting-edge journalism education. This course, which explored AI applications in real time, is part of a broader focus on modern journalism techniques at UNL, exemplified by their regular participation in national data journalism conferences.

What continues to impress me is Naomi’s determination to move beyond buzzwords, diving deep into the ethical and practical applications of AI in newsrooms. Combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience, her approach provides a blueprint for aspiring journalists navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.

During our conversation, Naomi highlighted the skepticism of small-town Nebraska newspapers toward AI, raising the important question of balancing innovation with the trust foundational to journalism. This question has become increasingly vital since our discussion.

Naomi’s insights go beyond her coursework. As a contributor to UNL’s award-winning publication, she brings a practical understanding of journalism’s day-to-day realities to her exploration of AI, uniquely positioning her to comment on the future of the field.

The importance of human oversight in AI-generated content has become more relevant. Sports Illustrated’s incident with creating fake AI-generated personas reminds us of the pitfalls of unchecked AI use. Recent AI developments have amplified the need for ethical guidelines and human involvement in the editorial process.

For those who haven’t tuned in, I urge you to listen to the full episode. Here’s a breakdown of key segments on the show:

Time Stamps and Topics:

• (03:53) AI’s current impact on daily journalism practices
• (06:48) Critical insights from the 16-week AI and Journalism course
• (13:01) The importance of AI literacy for the next generation of journalists
• (16:17) Techniques for refining AI queries to enhance journalistic outcomes
• (19:34) Understanding AI limitations and setting realistic expectations
• (21:31) Ethical considerations in AI voice replication experiments

As we move into the fall, Naomi’s reflections offer a valuable roadmap for navigating the changes ahead in journalism. Her proactive approach to understanding and applying AI and a strong ethical foundation provide lessons for journalists at all career stages.

Further Information:

• Naomi Delkamiller on LinkedIn
• Naomi Delkamiller’s Personal Website
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Matthew Waite
• UNL’s College of Journalism and Mass Communications

Naomi’s balanced approach to AI in journalism is crucial as the industry evolves. The future of journalism will be shaped by her and others who engage with new technologies while holding fast to core journalistic principles.