New ChatGPT handbook helps publishers use AI for local news

I’m excited to announce the public release of my new ebook, “Beginner’s prompt handbook: ChatGPT for local news publishers.”

The ebook is being made available today for free (although a small tip or donation is certainly welcome).

Hay una versión en español de este libro disponible. Fue traducido por ChatGPT (usando el modelo gpt-3.5-turbo) el 27 de marzo de 2023. Puedes ver la versión en español aquí. Haz clic aquí para ver la solicitud específica que usé para la traducción y la conversación resultante con ChatGPT.

Chip in to help with the cost of this book!

As the assistant director of products + events at the Center for Cooperative Media, I wanted to provide a comprehensive resource that would help local news publishers leverage the power of generative AI and automation to enhance their news production.

I decided to write this ebook after being duped into paying $2 for a shitty prompt handbook that was clearly generated using ChatGPT instead of written by a real person. It was frustrating to see the hustle-culture grifters taking advantage of this emerging technology without taking the time to actually explain its capabilities and limitations. I wanted to provide a reliable and informative guide that would help local news publishers effectively use ChatGPT to save time and stress.

In the book, I’ve included dozens of possible use cases for local newsrooms, a step-by-step breakdown of the anatomy of a ChatGPT prompt, and beginner, intermediate, and advanced prompts for local publishers.

I’ve also provided a few sample disclosure statements, policies, and guidelines for using generative AI tools in the newsroom, with the hope that publishers will use them ethically, responsibly, and transparently. Additionally, I’ve included a brief introduction to incorporating automation and ChatGPT in your newsroom, which can help streamline your workflow and make your team more efficient.

Here’s a brief overview of what you‘ll find in this ebook:

1. Section 1 provides an overview of the purpose and goals of this handbook, and an introduction to the potential local news use cases for large language models like GPT-3 and ChatGPT.
2. Section 2 provides a deeper understanding of the capabilities and limitations of AI for local journalism, and how to evaluate the quality of AI-generated content. It’s important to have a clear understanding of the technology before diving into specific use cases.
3. Section 3 provides guidance on crafting and creating effective prompts for AI-generated content. This is a critical step in using ChatGPT and other language models effectively, and Section 3 offers practical tips and examples to help you get started.
4. Section 4 explores a variety of other examples and possible use cases for ChatGPT, from creating outlines and document structures to incorporating automation. This section is intended to spark your creativity and give you ideas for how to use the technology in your own work.
5. Section 5 offers a note of optimism about the potential of generative AI tools for local journalism, and encourages readers to experiment and explore new possibilities.
6. Appendix A is a bunch of additional links, resources, tools, tutorials, apps, and browser extensions you can use to learn more and take your ChatGPT usage to the next level.
7. Appendix B is a glossary of terms for those of who who aren’t super familiar with some of the common phrases, acronyms, and buzzwords people tend to use when talking about this stuff.
8. Appendix C is a list of acknowledgements and shoutouts to people and organizations that helped make this handbook possible.

Personally, I think the real meat of this book is the massive (and still growing) list of additional examples, links, tools, guides, and other resources in appendices to help you take your ChatGPT and generative AI game even further.

I had so much fun making this, and I’m thrilled to share it with local journalists and publishers in our network. I can’t wait to hear what you all come up with!

Click here to get your copy of “Beginner’s prompt handbook: ChatGPT for local news publishers” today and start leveraging the power of generative AI in your local newsroom.

Joe Amditis is associate director of products and events at the Center for Cooperative Media. Contact him at amditisj@montclair.edu or on Twitter at @jsamditis.

About the Center for Cooperative Media: The Center is a grant-funded program of the School of Communication and Media at Montclair State University. Its mission is to grow and strengthen local journalism, and in doing so serve New Jersey residents. The Center is supported with funding from Montclair State University, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Democracy Fund, the New Jersey Local News Lab (a partnership of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Democracy Fund, and Community Foundation of New Jersey), and the Abrams Foundation. For more information, visit centerforcooperativemedia.org.