‘AI is a suggest, not a goal’ – Bonnier’s Pia Rehnquist on integrating AI into your community information technique

Swedish journalist Pia Rehnquist has held many roles, which include that of editor-in-chief at Sydsvenska Dagbladet, one particular of Sweden’s major morning newspapers, the place she initial began her profession as a journalist, in 2000.She joined Bonnier Information Neighborhood in 2020, as Editorial Director. In December, she was promoted as Business Area Manager, and oversees about 50 Swedish regional and nearby newspapers.Rehnquist also helps make up section of the management workforce of Bonnier News – one particular of the major media groups in the Nordic region, comprising additional than 200 titles and brands.Bonnier News boasts above 2.2 million subscribers, of which 1.7 million are primarily based in Sweden, and fifty percent are electronic.In December, Bonnier Information Regional announced a milestone reach of 500,000 subscribers throughout 50 titles – a 17% progress year on calendar year.SEE: How Sweden’s Bonnier Information amassed 2.2 million subscribersBonnier News Local, and the complete Bonnier Information firm, has been building progressive strides into AI and tech equipment and resources, and undergoing a transformative restructuring procedure.In March, it released the initially AI-edited newspapers. And this thirty day period, the information media company released their initially common podcast – a weekly true crime series showcasing nearby reporters from all above Sweden telling the tales that have adjusted their metropolitan areas.Rehnquist, now five months into her new function, spoke to us about retaining the newsroom sustainable amid financial downturns, AI and electronic disruptors.  You’ve been a journalist all your existence now, in a basic management function, you are possessing to make rough calls – what is most difficult to you now?We have so far succeeded in implementing our technique with regional editorial presence in an otherwise relatively centralised framework, and a extremely strong concentration on digital subscriptions. More than 50% of our area and regional subscribers are electronic (the numbers for all of Bonnier News are even improved) and our electronic progress is even now really solid.The biggest obstacle is to find the most effective way and the right speed for the transformation forward. In March, Bonnier News Community introduced the 1st AI-edited newspapers the place are you at, now, in terms of AI exploration in the newsroom, and what new developments can audiences hope?We are discovering a lot, and at each individual degree, in the enterprise. I like to see AI as an integrated section, and enabler of, our method, and our previously defined aims. ‘Different forms of personalisation, customisation and effectivisation are areas in which I assume audiences will “meet” AI – but possibly not recognize it, since AI is a mean, not a target.’How do you consider editors can finest adapt to alterations in evolving newsrooms? What other roles can they suppose, and what techniques, instruments and assets do you feel are important for an Editor currently?Most journalists, and therefore editors, are curious, bold, and fantastic at conversation. That’s a fantastic start off, due to the fact these are significant leadership expertise. Try to build a tradition where transform is part of day to day life, and in which it is “accepted” that you as a chief may possibly not have all the responses is crucial. Producing certain that individuals understand why improvements are desired is vital. How do you envision journalism, and newsrooms of the long term, in the subsequent 5-10 yrs – what advice do you have for editors hoping to make an influence, and regional media outlets in search of sustainable solutions?Journalism and newsrooms are greater than ever. And journalism has in no way been as significant as it is nowadays. I believe that balancing self-confidence  – we are wanted! – with the capability to alter and consider new points, is critical to achievements. Local media stores have to have to determine their mission and strategy and be geared up to establish the way that they do journalism. Our facts and examination display that we want to perform much more with the “how” than the “what” in the newsrooms.’ Bonnier Information Area is a participant in WAN-IFRA’s Innovate Regional programme remember to make clear the significance, if any, of this what can neighborhood newsrooms master from sharing encounters?I think that we can find out a lot from each and every other. Most of the problems are the very same, even although the context, or our societies, might change. We cooperate thoroughly with our colleagues at Norwegian Amedia, in trade of information, and it is useful.Due to the fact our enterprises are community, there is no levels of competition concerning various media stores both.  What keeps you driven and motivated – regardless of all the worries of a continually transforming media landscape?I truthfully believe my position is a privilege, and this is why I go to the place of work each and every day: I attempt to locate the best strategies to get our newspapers into the long term. When it feels specifically demanding, I find energy in that insight. Yet another really useful resource of inspiration is all the superb folks that I perform with!‘I assume that accomplishing nothing at all, or hesitating, when confronted with the will need to adjust and embrace the potential, is the most significant miscalculation one particular can make.’ Pia Rehnquist will signify Bonnier Information Regional at the impending Globe News Media Congress in Copenhagen in May perhaps: see comprehensive programme for particulars, and diarise Wednesday, 29 May perhaps for a session on Celebrating Regional Media: Highlights from WAN-IFRA’s Innovate Regional Programme. 

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