A new industry report from Dalet and Caretta Research
The future of newsroom workflows: How the world’s leading news organizations are redesigning operations and technology to survive and thrive
Dalet, in partnership with Caretta Research , presents ‘The Future of Newsroom Workflows’, an industry-first report that provides essential insights into newsroom operations. With insights from 60+ global newsrooms, discover the innovations shaping tomorrow’s news production. Despite industry challenges, there’s immense optimism.
The report isn’t just data; it’s a roadmap for newsroom leaders and decision-makers navigating a complex media environment. Key themes include:
> Technology Choices: Shaped by IT, Powered by Necessity
> Budget Pressures: Cost-Tracking and New Monetization Strategies
> AI and Automation: Opportunity or Threat?
> The Social Media Challenge: Managing External Pressures
Technology Choices: Shaped by IT, Powered by Necessity
TL;DR: A significant proportion of newsroom tools are chosen by technical and IT staff rather than journalists, with newsroom computer systems (NRCS) remaining the primary technology focus.
70% of newsroom tools are selected by technical staff, rather than journalists, suggesting a strong influence of IT and engineering departments on technology decisions.
41% of respondents consider the newsroom computer system (NRCS) the most important tool for newsroom workflows, ahead of video production and planning tools.
Budget Pressures: Cost-Tracking and New Monetization Strategies
TL;DR: More than half of newsroom operations reported budget cuts in the last year, prompting changes like role reallocations and increased use of automation.
54% of newsrooms have experienced budget cuts in the last 12 months, leading many to reallocate roles and reduce staff.
Despite budget constraints, only 16% of newsrooms are actively tracking the costs of covering individual stories or monitoring their ROI.
AI and Automation: Opportunity or Threat?
TL;DR: AI tools are gaining traction, especially for tasks like speech-to-text transcription and research. While most newsrooms view AI as beneficial for efficiency, a minority remain cautious.
Over 50% of newsrooms use AI tools, with 86% of those utilizing speech-to-text transcription and translation tools. Concerns remain, as 14% of respondents view AI as a potential threat to jobs and newsroom integrity.
The Social Media Challenge: Managing External Pressures
TL;DR: Newsrooms are increasingly concerned about social media platforms controlling content visibility, the threat of “fake news,” and declining audiences for traditional platforms like TV.
59% of newsrooms are “very concerned” about the role of social media platforms as gatekeepers, fearing sudden algorithm changes that could impact reach and revenue.
Despite challenges, 68% of newsrooms feel “good” or “very good” about their future, with many optimistic about adapting through new business models and technology.
Click here to download the report.
