About This Publication

Column Inch covers the practical use of AI writing tools in small newsrooms. Its subject areas include local government meetings, public records, document review, newsletters, reader correspondence and corrections. The emphasis is on ordinary editorial tasks that require attention to detail but can consume substantial working time.

The publication is written for solo editors, hyperlocal publishers, weekly newspaper staff, public radio stringers, freelance local reporters, student newsroom advisers and volunteers who produce neighborhood news. It addresses the constraints of small operations, where one person may be responsible for reporting, editing, publishing and maintaining communication with readers.

The editorial approach is plain and procedural. Articles explain what information a tool needs, which parts of a task it can help organize or draft, and where human judgment remains essential. AI-generated summaries, transcripts and draft language are treated as working material. Original records, source documents and accountable editorial decisions remain the basis of published journalism.

What you will find here

Column Inch publishes 6 entries, among them How to Turn a Council Meeting Recording into a Reporter’s Timestamp Index, How to Read a Council or School Board Agenda Packet in Layers, How to Track Public Records Requests: Deadlines, Follow-Ups and Drafts.

How the entries are made

Entries are written by the Column Inch editors with the help of AI writing tools and are meant as general information. They are not professional, legal, medical or financial advice, and details can change, so check primary sources before you act on anything.

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