Gisle Johansen

PhD candidate, University of Agder

My name is Gisle Johansen, and I hold a master’s degree in Societal Planning and Cultural Understanding from the University of Tromsø. I currently work as a data analyst at the local newspaper iTromsø. We have recently received funding from the Norwegian Research Council to collaborate with the University of Agder and OsloMet. Together, we are exploring the possibilities and challenges of developing and implementing various forms of AI to enhance our work in local media.

Tell us about your project!

This PhD project explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance local journalism in iTromsø by automating data analysis, improving efficiency, and enabling journalists to focus on in-depth storytelling. Local newspapers play a crucial role in democracy, providing critical information and scrutinizing power structures. However, economic challenges and lack of resources often limit their ability to perform investigative journalism at a local level. AI has the potential to address this by processing large datasets quickly, identifying important information, and allowing journalists to concentrate on reporting stories that matter. In collaboration between iTromsø, OsloMet and the University of Agder, this project aims to develop AI tools that help journalists discover and communicate local news more effectively. For example, AI can analyze economic and social data, revealing patterns of inequality or other trends relevant to Tromsø's population. These tools will support the creation of innovative journalistic products such as interactive maps, dashboards, and visualizations.

“ This PhD project explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance local journalism in iTromsø by automating data analysis, improving efficiency, and enabling journalists to focus on in-depth storytelling”

— Gisle Johansen on his research project ”Leveraging AI for local democracy: co-creating AI tools and methodologies for local news and mitigating risk”