How is Legitimate.Net Using AI to Combat Disinformation and Support Local News

In this episode, Yumi Wilson interviews Caoimhe Donnelly, CEO of Legitimate, about how her platform supports independent journalists and combats disinformation. Caoimhe shares her inspiring journey from education to tech innovation, explaining how the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the creation of Legitimate.

The discussion covers the suite of AI tools offered by Legitimate, which are specifically designed to enhance journalistic workflows, support local newsrooms, and incentivize news professionals. Caoimhe provides valuable insights into the ethical considerations of using AI in journalism and encourages experimentation with a critical eye.

Listeners will learn about Legitimate’s partnerships with the EU, their efforts to develop a universal bio for improved source attribution, and their collaboration with universities to provide free tools and training to future journalists. This episode offers a comprehensive look at how AI can empower journalists and protect the integrity of news in the digital age.

Listeners are also invited to register for Yumi’s upcoming free LinkedIn Live webinar on Sept. 26. In it, she will share three AI strategies to enhance LinkedIn profiles and elevate professional presence online. Registration is available at yumiwilson.me.

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Time Stamps and Key Themes:

1. Journey from Education to Tech Entrepreneurship

   • 03:41: Impact of COVID-19 on disadvantaged schools from a teacher’s perspective.
   • 05:31: Caoimhe’s inspiration for starting Legitimate.net.

2. Supporting Journalism in the Digital Age

   • 07:23: How Legitimate incentivizes journalists with custom-built tools to combat disinformation.

3. AI and Technology in Journalism

   • 10:55: Overview of AI tools developed for newsrooms and journalists.
   • 16:44: Promoting author transparency across the internet.
   • 18:44: Integrating source bios into AI tools.
   • 21:04: Legitimate’s global fight against fake news.
   • 23:03: Collaboration with universities, evolving from portfolio features to student training.

4. Supporting Local Journalism

   • 26:20: How Legitimate aids and supports local newsrooms.
   • 29:49: The mission behind providing free tools and grants to local journalists.
   • 32:02: Advice for journalists starting with AI tools.
   • 35:32: Privacy considerations and incognito mode in AI tools.
   • 37:01: Ways to support Legitimate.net.

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Notable Quotes:

• On Developing Technology for Journalists:
  “They [journalists] were trying to fit other pieces of technology into their day, rather than technology being built for them. And we thought, well, if we want to get journalists on board in order to combat disinformation, why not incentivize them by building all these tools?”
  — Caoimhe Donnelly

• On Choosing a Brave Business Name:
  “We wanted to be the place for legitimate sources. If we're called Legitimate, then all of our journalists are, you know, legitimate journalists. So we were brave with the name.”
  — Caoimhe Donnelly

• On Supporting Quality Journalism:
  “Every community deserves a news source that is reputable and reliable, and journalism really does touch on every aspect of society.”
  — Caoimhe Donnelly

• On Collaborative Fact-Checking:
  “Within the fact-checking space in that EU group, there were numerous fact-checke