Together for sustainable local journalism: DFKI develops AI-based information services for the region

As part of the “Local_Vocal” project, the DFKI Kaiserslautern is working with its partners to develop AI-based local news and information services specifically tailored to the needs of younger audiences. The aim is to align content more closely with the actual interests of citizens, deliver it in a highly targeted manner, and drive the sustainable digital development of local journalism. The project is scheduled to run for around three years and will initially continue until 2028.

Research at the DFKI focuses on methods for automatically processing local content in various formats – ranging from text and audio to video and content in plain language. In addition, personalisation approaches are being developed that enable content to be delivered based on users’ interests and location.

Another key focus is on the intelligent integration of publicly available data sources (open data) with editorial content, as well as on the development of AI architectures that comply with data protection regulations for use in a journalistic context.

DFKI’s activities are being brought together in a joint transfer lab with the federal states of Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia. The aim is to specifically accelerate the digital transformation process of regional media companies.

The Transferlab concept, which has already proven its worth in numerous projects at DFKI, integrates staff from partner organisations directly into the research teams. Within this shared innovation space, concrete applications and products are developed in close alignment with scientific progress.

The solutions developed as part of the project will initially be trialled in Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia. There are plans to roll them out to other regions in the future.

The funding provided by both federal states underscores the importance of the project: the aim is to strengthen regional media organisations technologically without compromising their editorial independence. AI is not seen as a replacement, but as a supportive tool that takes the pressure off journalists and creates space for research, analysis and engagement with the public.

In the long term, the project partners aim to demonstrate how artificial intelligence can help to strengthen trust in the media, highlight local identity and develop sustainable digital business models in journalism.