An independent news title’s editor has pledged to use robots to help his coverage after taking on a new franchise.

Kallum Gethins, who runs Dorset News, has shared his optimism for the future of AI in journalism after becoming franchisee of the View From Weymouth title.

Kallum, pictured launched Dorset News during the coronavirus lockdown of 2020 initially as a Facebook page, but it now has its own dedicated online platform.

He has taken on the Weymouth title from Duncan Williams, who bought the View From series in 2018 following their closure as newspapers by previous owner Peter Masters.

Kallum told HTFP: “I have taken the opportunity to take on the franchise of View From.

“My goal with this company is to bring it back to life but instead of having the news in print like it was originally, I am aiming to use AI and factual information to gather news and views from local residents in Weymouth.

“We’ll do this by conducting various video interviews with different people with different businesses and really build up the support for local independent media.

“I would personally like to thank Duncan for this amazing opportunity that has been given to me, his support and mentorship has been outstanding.”

Kallum’s backing for AI comes after publisher Reach plc confirmed earlier this month it had started using chatbots to write local news stories.

The View From papers previously served towns and villages including Beaminster, Bridport, Dorchester, Lyme Regis, Weymouth, Seaton, Honiton and South Somerset, and Duncan has since sought to reopen them as digital titles.

Duncan said: “It is something that I was never not going to develop further and I am very pleased indeed with the quarterly reports of View From Online’s visitor stats.

“I have a genuine affection for the View newsbrands and want to see them flourish and prosper again.”