Washington Post develops “Ember” AI coach to assist amateur writers

The Washington Post is exploring an AI-powered pathway for amateur writers to contribute opinion content, marking a significant shift in how traditional media outlets might incorporate both artificial intelligence and citizen journalism. This initiative, known internally as “Ripple,” represents an expansion beyond traditional opinion sections and reflects changing dynamics in how news organizations engage with diverse voices while leveraging new technologies.

The big picture: The Washington Post is developing an AI writing coach called Ember that would help non-professional writers create opinion columns for publication on the newspaper’s platforms.

• The tool reportedly includes features like a “story strength” tracker and structural guidance covering elements from thesis development to crafting memorable conclusions.
• Writers would also receive AI-generated prompts and “developmental questions” to improve their submissions.

Key details: The initiative, known internally as “Ripple,” aims to publish content from amateur columnists alongside pieces from established publications and Substack writers.

• These articles would be available without a subscription on the Post’s website and app, potentially broadening the publication’s reach.
• Human editors would review all AI-coached submissions before publication, with the content appearing separately from the newspaper’s traditional opinion section.

Project timeline: The Washington Post reportedly plans to secure initial partnerships for the Ripple project this summer.

• The AI writing coach integration represents the “final phase” of the project, with testing potentially beginning this fall.

Behind the changes: This initiative follows significant shifts in the Post’s editorial approach in recent months under owner Jeff Bezos.

• Bezos reportedly intervened to cancel the newspaper’s endorsement of Kamala Harris for president.
• In February, the Amazon founder allegedly informed staff that the Post would no longer publish opinion pieces opposing “free speech and free markets.”

Why this matters: The Ripple project appears designed to attract readers seeking “more breadth” than the existing opinion section provides, potentially addressing critiques about limited viewpoint diversity in mainstream media.