Applying Emerging Technologies In Service of Journalism at The New York Times

Abstract

Emerging technologies, particularly within computer vision, photogrammetry, and spatial computing, are unlocking new forms of storytelling for journalists to help people understand the world around them. In this talk, members of the R&D team at The New York Times talk about their process for researching and developing new capabilities built atop emerging research. In particular, hear how they are embracing photogrammetry and spatial computing to create new storytelling techniques that allow a reader to experience an event as close to reality as possible. Learn about the process of collecting photos, generating 3D models, editing, and technologies used to scale up to millions of readers. The team will also share their vision for these technologies and journalism, their ethical considerations along the way, and a research wishlist that would accelerate their work.

In its 169 year history, The New York Times has evolved with new technologies, publishing its first photo in 1896 with the rise of cameras, introducing the world’s first computerized news retrieval system in 1972 with the rise of the computer, and launching a website in 1996 with the rise of the internet. Since then, the pace of innovation has accelerated alongside the rise of smartphones, cellular networks, and other new technologies. The Times now has the world’s most popular daily podcast, a new weekly video series, and award-winning interactive graphics storytelling. Join us for a discussion about how our embrace of emerging technologies is helping us push the boundaries of journalism in 2020 and beyond.