Imagine the scene. You are a journalist covering a story on your own. You need someone to bounce ideas off in order to make sure you cover all angles. But nobody is available. Instead you turn to artificial intelligence (AI) on your mobile phone for instant story development ideas.
Would the results be any good? Would AI come up with the quality of editorial brainstorming that colleagues back in the newsroom could offer? Media Helping Media (MHM) put Gemini, Google’s AI conversation tool, to the test.
Gemini’s responses, and my follow-up questions (in large bold headings) are reproduced below. After each answer from Gemini I asked it to expand on points it had made in the previous answer. The conversation took place in September 2024.
I started by creating a fictitious scenario. I told Gemini AI that I am a journalist covering a protest at a refugee camp where asylum seekers are demonstrating about delays in their claims being processed.
I then asked AI the following questions. The answers were immediate. Gemini’s responses are unedited other than to change them from American English to English English (MHM’s preferred house style).
MHM: Apart from reporting on the demonstration, what other related news angles should I cover?
Gemini AI: Here are some additional news angles you could consider covering, beyond the immediate demonstration:
Human Interest Stories:
- Individual Refugee Stories: Interview refugees about their personal journeys, hardships, and hopes.
- Community Impact: Explore how the refugee camp is affecting the local community, including potential tensions or positive interactions.
Policy and Government Response:
- Processing Delays: Investigate the reasons for the delays in processing asylum claims, including any bureaucratic hurdles or political pressures.
- Government Response: Examine the government’s response to the protest and any potential changes to asylum policies or procedures.
- International Comparisons: Compare the situation in the UK with other countries that have similar refugee populations.
Living Conditions in the Camp:
- Basic Needs: Assess whether refugees have access to adequate food, shelter, healthcare, and education.
- Security Concerns: Report on any safety issues or concerns within the camp, such as crime or violence.
Legal and Ethical Issues:
- Human Rights: Examine whether the treatment of refugees aligns with international human rights standards.
- Legal Challenges: Explore any legal challenges refugees or their representatives are pursuing to expedite the processing of their claims.
Economic Impact:
- Job Market: Investigate the potential economic impact of refugees on the local job market, both positive and negative.
- Integration Efforts: Report on government or NGO initiatives to help refugees integrate into the local community.
By exploring these additional angles, you can provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the situation at the refugee camp and its broader implications.
MHM: Could you expand on the ‘Human Interest Stories’ angle please?
Gemini AI: Human interest stories can provide a powerful and personal lens through which to understand the experiences of refugees. Here are some specific avenues you could explore:
Individual Refugee Narratives:
- Personal Journeys: Delve into the individual experiences of refugees, from their home countries to their escape and arrival at the camp.
- Challenges and Hopes: Focus on the specific challenges refugees face, such as language barriers, cultural differences, or separation from loved ones. Also, explore their hopes and dreams for the future.
- Coping Mechanisms: Understand how refugees are coping with the stress and trauma of their experiences.
Community Building:
- Social Networks: Explore how refugees are forming social networks and communities within the camp.
- Cultural Exchange: Highlight instances of cultural exchange or collaboration between refugees from different backgrounds.
- Support Systems: Identify any support systems or networks that are helping refugees to navigate their new environment.
Children and Families:
- Education: Focus on the educational needs of refugee children and any challenges they may face in accessing education.
- Family Dynamics: Explore how families are coping with the challenges of displacement and the uncertainty of their future.
- Child Protection: Address any concerns related to child protection or exploitation within the refugee camp.
Inspiring Stories:
- Overcoming Adversity: Share stories of refugees who have overcome significant challenges and achieved positive outcomes.
- Acts of Kindness: Highlight instances of kindness, compassion, or resilience within the refugee community.
By focusing on these human interest angles, you can help to humanise the refugee experience and foster empathy and understanding among your audience.
MHM: Could you expand on the ‘Policy and Government Response’ angle please?
Gemini AI: When exploring the policy and government response angle, consider these key areas:
Asylum Policy:
- Current Regulations: Examine the specific regulations governing asylum claims in the UK, including eligibility criteria, processing procedures, and potential grounds for refusal.
- Policy Changes: Investigate any recent or proposed changes to asylum policy, and their potential impact on refugees.
- International Comparisons: Compare UK asylum policies with those of other European countries or countries with similar refugee populations.
Government Response to the Protest:
- Official Statements: Analyse official statements from government officials regarding the protest and their commitment to addressing the concerns of refugees.
- Actions Taken: Evaluate any specific actions taken by the government in response to the protest, such as increased staffing for asylum processing or improved living conditions in refugee camps.
- Public Perception: Assess public opinion on the government’s response to the protest and any potential political pressure.
Bureaucratic Hurdles:
- Processing Delays: Investigate the specific reasons for delays in processing asylum claims, including any bureaucratic bottlenecks or administrative inefficiencies.
- Backlogs: Assess the extent of any backlogs in the asylum system and the government’s efforts to address them.
- Resource Allocation: Examine the allocation of resources to asylum processing and whether there is sufficient funding to meet the demand.
Ethical Considerations:
- Human Rights Standards: Evaluate whether the government’s response to the protest and its asylum policies align with international human rights standards.
- Compassionate Treatment: Consider whether the government is demonstrating compassion and respect for the rights of refugees.
By exploring these aspects, you can provide a comprehensive analysis of the government’s role in shaping the experiences of refugees and the effectiveness of its policies in addressing their needs.
MHM: Could you expand on the ‘Living Conditions in the Camp’ angle please?
Gemini AI: When exploring the living conditions in the refugee camp, consider these key areas:
Basic Needs:
- Shelter: Assess the quality and adequacy of the housing provided to refugees, including any issues with sanitation, safety, or privacy.
- Food: Evaluate the availability, quality, and quantity of food provided to refugees, and any concerns about nutritional deficiencies.
- Healthcare: Examine the accessibility, quality, and adequacy of healthcare services within the camp, including mental health support.
- Education: Assess the availability and quality of educational opportunities for refugee children and adults, including language classes and vocational training.
Safety and Security:
- Crime: Investigate any incidents of crime or violence within the camp, including theft, assault, or sexual harassment.
- Security Measures: Evaluate the effectiveness of security measures in place to protect refugees, such as fencing, surveillance, and patrolling.
- Vulnerable Groups: Identify any particularly vulnerable groups within the camp, such as women, children, or individuals with disabilities, and assess their specific needs and challenges.
Sanitation and Hygiene:
- Waste Management: Examine the systems in place for waste management and disposal, and any concerns about sanitation or hygiene.
- Water Supply: Assess the quality and availability of potable water, and any issues with water scarcity or contamination.
- Hygiene Facilities: Evaluate the adequacy of sanitation facilities, such as toilets, showers, and laundry facilities.
Community Infrastructure:
- Recreational Facilities: Explore the availability of recreational facilities, such as playgrounds, sports fields, or community centres.
- Community Spaces: Assess the availability of community spaces for refugees to gather, socialise, and participate in cultural activities.
- Services: Identify any essential services available within the camp, such as shops, post offices, or transportation options.
By exploring these aspects, you can provide a comprehensive picture of the living conditions faced by refugees within the camp and identify any areas where improvements are needed.
MHM: Could you expand on the ‘Legal and Ethical Issues’ angle please?
Gemini AI: When exploring the legal and ethical issues surrounding refugee camps, consider these key areas:
Human Rights:
- International Law: Examine how the treatment of refugees aligns with international human rights law, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Refugee Convention.
- Fundamental Rights: Assess whether refugees are enjoying their fundamental rights, including the rights to life, liberty, security of person, and freedom from discrimination.
- Detention: If refugees are detained, examine the legality and conditions of their detention, ensuring they comply with international standards.
Legal Challenges:
- Asylum Claims: Investigate any legal challenges refugees or their representatives are pursuing to expedite the processing of their asylum claims or to challenge denials.
- Access to Justice: Assess whether refugees have adequate access to legal assistance and representation in pursuing their rights.
- Due Process: Ensure that refugees are afforded due process in all legal proceedings, including the right to a fair hearing and the right to appeal decisions.
Ethical Considerations:
- Compassion and Respect: Evaluate whether refugees are being treated with compassion and respect, regardless of their circumstances.
- Vulnerable Groups: Identify any particularly vulnerable groups within the camp, such as women, children, or individuals with disabilities, and assess whether their specific needs and rights are being adequately protected.
- Accountability: Examine the mechanisms in place for ensuring accountability for any human rights violations or abuses that may occur within the camp.
By exploring these aspects, you can provide a comprehensive analysis of the legal and ethical framework governing the treatment of refugees and identify any areas where improvements are needed.
MHM: Could you expand on the ‘Economic Impact’ angle please?
Gemini AI: When exploring the economic impact of refugee camps, consider these key areas:
Local Economy:
- Job Market: Analyse the potential impact of refugees on the local job market, both positive and negative. This may include their potential to fill labour shortages or compete for jobs with local residents.
- Consumer Spending: Assess the potential economic benefits of refugees as consumers, including their spending on goods and services within the local community.
- Entrepreneurship: Identify any entrepreneurial activities or businesses launched by refugees within the camp or the surrounding area.
Government Services:
- Cost of Services: Evaluate the costs to the government of providing services to refugees, such as housing, healthcare, and education.
- Resource Allocation: Assess whether the government is allocating sufficient resources to support refugees and mitigate any negative economic impacts.
- Long-Term Costs: Consider the potential long-term economic costs associated with refugee resettlement, including the costs of integration and social services.
Integration Efforts:
- Language Training: Examine the availability and effectiveness of language training programs to help refugees learn the local language and improve their employability.
- Vocational Training: Assess the availability and quality of vocational training programs to equip refugees with the skills needed to find employment.
- Integration Initiatives: Evaluate the effectiveness of government or NGO initiatives to help refugees integrate into the local community and participate fully in economic life.
By exploring these aspects, you can provide a comprehensive analysis of the economic implications of refugee camps and identify any potential opportunities or challenges associated with refugee resettlement.
MHM: Are there any other related news angles that you have not mentioned that would add value to the story and better inform the audience?
Gemini AI: Here are some more potential news angles that could add value to your story:
Health and Well-being:
- Mental Health: Explore the mental health challenges faced by refugees, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
- Physical Health: Assess the physical health of refugees, including any common illnesses or health conditions.
- Access to Healthcare: Examine the availability and quality of healthcare services within the camp, and any barriers to access.
Education and Skills Development:
- Educational Opportunities: Investigate the educational opportunities available to refugee children and adults, including formal schooling and vocational training.
- Language Barriers: Explore the challenges faced by refugees in learning the local language and accessing education.
- Skills Development: Identify any programs or initiatives aimed at developing the skills and employability of refugees.
Cultural and Social Integration:
- Cultural Preservation: Explore how refugees are preserving their cultural heritage and traditions within the camp.
- Intercultural Dialogue: Examine opportunities for intercultural dialogue and exchange between refugees and the local community.
- Social Integration: Assess the challenges and opportunities for refugees to integrate into the local society and build social connections.
Media Representation:
- Media Portrayal: Examine how refugees are portrayed in the media, and any stereotypes or misconceptions that may exist.
- Media Access: Assess the access of refugees to information and media outlets, and any challenges they may face in accessing accurate and unbiased information.
Future Prospects:
- Resettlement: Explore the prospects for refugees to be resettled to a third country and the challenges associated with this process.
- Self-Reliance: Examine any initiatives or programs aimed at empowering refugees to become self-reliant and contribute to their own well-being.
- Long-Term Goals: Explore the long-term goals and aspirations of refugees for their future, including their hopes for their children and their communities.
By exploring these additional angles, you can provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the situation at the refugee camp and its broader implications.
MHM’s conclusion
AI can offer real-time editorial brainstorming for the solo journalist who needs to bounce ideas around in order to explore all possible story angles. It does this in an instant, enabling the journalist to focus their news-gathering efforts on areas that will enhance their news reporting.
