How Technology and Data Work Together in News Production

May 10, 2026, 22:00
GlobalOther

Introduction

This report looks at how automated technology is used to create news content and how structured data schemas help check the information.

Main Body

Today, news production often involves the use of third-party technology. For example, the Associated Press uses a tool called Data Skrive to help write reports. This process is supported by external data sources, such as television listings from LiveSportsOnTV, to make sure scheduling information is correct. At the same time, strict data validation rules are applied. A JSON Schema is used to ensure that the data structure is correct. The schema sets required fields and defines data types, such as arrays or strings. If a data object does not follow these rules, it is considered invalid. This means the content must match the schema exactly.

Conclusion

Combining automated content creation with formal data validation helps produce information that follows a standard format.

Learning

🧩 From 'Simple' to 'Sophisticated': The Power of Passive Voice

At the A2 level, you usually say: "The company uses a tool." This is fine, but to reach B2, you need to shift the focus from who does it to what is being done. This is the secret to professional and academic English.

The Shift:

  • A2 Style (Active): "The Associated Press uses a tool called Data Skrive."
  • B2 Style (Passive): "...automated technology is used to create news content."

Why this matters for your growth: In the article, notice how the writer says "strict data validation rules are applied." They don't say "The computer applies the rules." Why? Because the rules are more important than the computer.

How to build it: To move toward B2, stop starting every sentence with "I," "They," or "The company." Instead, use this formula: Object + be (is/are/was/were) + Past Participle (Verb 3)

Compare these two vibes:

  • Basic: "The schema sets required fields." (A2)
  • Professional: "Required fields are set by the schema." (B2)

Pro Tip: Use this when you want to sound objective, formal, or when the person doing the action is obvious or unknown.

Vocabulary Learning

automated
performed by machines or software without human intervention
Example:The automated system processed the orders in seconds.
structured
organized in a clear, systematic way
Example:The structured data made it easier to analyze.
validation
the process of checking that something is correct or meets required standards
Example:Data validation ensures that the entered values are accurate.
schema
a plan or outline that defines the structure of something
Example:The database schema specifies the tables and fields.
external
coming from outside or from an outside source
Example:External data sources were used to verify the information.
third-party
provided by an organization or individual not directly involved
Example:Third-party tools can extend the functionality of the platform.
television
a device that receives and displays broadcast signals
Example:Television listings were included in the report.
scheduling
the arrangement of events in time
Example:Proper scheduling is essential for the broadcast.
strict
rigorous; enforcing rules without exceptions
Example:The strict guidelines left no room for ambiguity.
required
necessary or mandatory
Example:All required fields must be completed before submission.
array
a collection of items of the same type
Example:The JSON array contains several names.
string
a sequence of characters
Example:The field expects a string of text.
invalid
not correct or not meeting standards
Example:An invalid entry was rejected by the system.
standard
commonly accepted or established
Example:The report follows a standard format.
declarative
expressing a statement or fact rather than instructions
Example:Declarative languages describe what to do rather than how.
annotate
to add explanatory notes or comments
Example:You can annotate the document with comments.
validate
to confirm that something meets required conditions
Example:Please validate the data before sending it.
document
a written or printed record
Example:The user guide is a helpful document.
example
a specific instance illustrating a concept
Example:Here is an example of a valid JSON object.
property
a characteristic or attribute of something
Example:Each object has several properties.
description
a statement that explains something
Example:The description field provides details about the item.
type
a category or kind of something
Example:The type of the field is string.
object
a data structure containing properties
Example:The JSON object represents a person.
well-formatted
correctly structured or arranged
Example:The file must be well-formatted to be read.
instance
a particular example or occurrence
Example:This instance demonstrates the concept.