CNN data chief Kendell Timmers says AI helps journalists analyze data, brainstorm headlines and visualize stories; the network also uses it to group coverage by storyline and generate weather summaries. Data guides product testing and personalized article selection.
Timmers said CNN is on pace to more than double its annual A/B tests, which compare two versions of a feature. She said investments in testing tools and dedicated teams have sped experimentation, helping CNN refine its All Access subscription more quickly since its launch last October and contributing to a highly engaged subscriber base.
Timmers said journalists retain editorial responsibility and must vet AI-assisted material before publication; major AI use cases are also vetted before entering production. CNN has doubled its data team over the past two years and is developing a semantic data layer designed to be readable by people and AI, which she said would support faster automation and decision-making.
