Measuring quality in journalism has always been a challenge. While clicks and likes can tell you how many people saw a story, they don’t capture whether the story made a difference or connected with readers.

The AI-powered Constructive News Mirror tool aims to change that by giving newsrooms a clearer picture of how well their content resonates with audiences.

Rethinking success in journalism

Traditionally, newsrooms have relied on short-term metrics, such as pageviews and shares, to measure success. But as the media landscape changes, more organisations are beginning to think beyond numbers and focus on long-term values such as audience trust and impactful storytelling.

The Constructive News Mirror is designed to support that shift.

Powered by a language-based AI model, it analyses news stories to assess how well they meet the principles of constructive journalism. It looks at factors such as balance, depth, and whether a story offers solutions rather than just highlighting problems.

The result is a set of data-driven insights that help editors understand where their content stands and how it can be improved.

Starting conversations about quality

One of the most interesting aspects of the Constructive News Mirror is how it sparks conversations within newsrooms. As one editor said: “It gives us a platform to talk about quality.” It’s not just about gathering data but also about creating opportunities for teams to talk about what quality journalism looks like.

The tool is flexible enough to suit various news organisations, whether they’re focusing on solutions journalism or looking to raise their editorial standards overall. It even helps identify areas where coverage might be lacking or could use more nuance.

By bringing these insights to light, it encourages newsrooms to think critically about their content and make thoughtful changes.

Since launching in 2024, the Constructive News Mirror has been adopted by more than 45 newsrooms worldwide, ranging from public service broadcasters to digital-first platforms. At Swedish Radio, for example, the tool has increased constructive coverage in local newsrooms by 50%, making it easier to align reporting with community needs.

Another example comes from Burda Forward’s Focus Online, where new KPIs focused on quality have helped redefine what success looks like. Instead of chasing clicks, editors use data from the Constructive News Mirror to guide thoughtful and impactful storytelling. This shift has shown that audiences appreciate stories that go beyond headlines to offer context and solutions.

A global approach to better journalism

What makes the Constructive News Mirror stand out is its adaptability. It works just as well for small, local outlets as it does for large, international networks. Plus, its multilingual design means it can be used anywhere, helping journalists worldwide focus on quality reporting.

One major news organisation saw a 15% increase in readership and a 20% boost in reader satisfaction after implementing the tool. These results challenge the old idea that sensational stories are the only way to draw attention. Instead, they demonstrate that thoughtful, constructive reporting can build lasting relationships with readers.

The Constructive News Mirror is more than just a tool; it’s part of a bigger conversation about the future of journalism. By making quality measurable, it’s helping newsrooms rethink how they approach storytelling and audience engagement. As more organisations get on board, it’s clear that the focus is shifting from chasing clicks to building trust.

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