AI Prompts for Journalists and Writers

How Journalists Use AI Prompts

Journalists use AI to speed up research, generate interview questions, structure articles, and write headlines. The reporting, verification, and voice remain entirely human.

Research Prompts

Background Research

"Summarise what is known about [TOPIC/PERSON/ORGANISATION]. Focus on: key facts, timeline of events, different perspectives, and what is still unknown or contested. Source any specific claims."

Context Brief

"Write a context brief on [TOPIC] for a journalist who needs to get up to speed quickly. Cover: background, key players, current status, and why it matters now."

Interview Preparation Prompts

Interview Questions

"Generate 20 interview questions for [SUBJECT] about [TOPIC]. Include: background questions, specific event questions, challenging questions, and questions that invite reflection. Avoid yes/no questions."

Follow-Up Questions

"I received this answer in an interview: [PASTE ANSWER]. Generate 5 follow-up questions that probe deeper, challenge assumptions, or explore contradictions."

Writing Prompts

Article Structure

"Suggest a structure for a [LENGTH]-word article about [TOPIC]. Include: suggested lede approach, key sections, narrative arc, and potential ending. Angle: [ANGLE]."

Headline Options

"Write 15 headline options for an article about [TOPIC]. Include: news headlines, feature headlines, question headlines, and SEO-optimised headlines."

Lede Options

"Write 5 different opening paragraphs for an article about [TOPIC]. Use different approaches: anecdote, statistic, scene-setting, direct news, and provocative statement."

Editing Prompts

Clarity Edit

"Edit this paragraph for clarity, concision, and impact. Remove passive voice, cut unnecessary words, and improve flow. Paragraph: [PASTE TEXT]."

Conclusion

AI accelerates the craft without replacing the journalism. Browse writing prompts at CopyPrompt.io.