The Houston Defender’s AI transformation

Cost-effective solutions for quality journalism

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Introduction: Reimagining Newsroom Efficiency

 

In a dynamic webinar hosted by E&P Magazine, publisher Mike Blinder moderated an engaging discussion featuring Clyde Jiles, Strategic Alliance Manager at the Defender Network, and Josh Brandau, CEO of Nota, a cutting-edge AI platform. This sponsored program highlighted how newsrooms are leveraging AI to enhance operational efficiency, diversify revenue streams, and elevate journalistic standards without downsizing.

Blinder opened by emphasizing E&P’s mission to bring actionable solutions to the news publishing industry through real-world case studies. “We’re here to explore tools that build audience, efficiency, and revenue,” he stated. “This is about transforming the newsroom while preserving its soul.”

Nota’s Role: Efficiency Without CompromiseNota’s Role: Efficiency Without Compromise

 

Josh Brandau presented Nota as a game-changer in newsroom efficiency, allowing teams to focus on storytelling while automating repetitive tasks. Nota’s AI-driven tools streamline content creation, social media optimization, and SEO enhancement, reducing the time spent per story from hours to minutes.

“The tool took processes that used to take us 90 minutes and cut them down to 15,” Jiles shared. “It’s allowed us to maintain quality, engage our audience, and get some sleep at night.”

Brandau added, “We designed Nota to listen to the unique needs of journalists. It’s not about replacing them—it’s about empowering them.”

One standout feature discussed was Nota’s tone-builder tool, which ensures consistency across diverse content segments. “It captures the writer’s voice,” Jiles said, “allowing us to maintain authenticity, especially in our under-40 and Black women-focused content.”


Download the slides used during the Webinar

Integration in Action: Practical Applications for Small Teams
Blinder lauded the practical value of Nota for small newsrooms, including E&P’s own operations. He highlighted the platform’s ability to tailor content for different channels while optimizing it for digital engagement. “The key is that Nota doesn’t dictate—it supports,” Blinder emphasized.

Brandau elaborated on Nota’s adaptability, whether for legacy media giants or mom-and-pop operations. “From SEO optimization to creating social posts, the tools are intuitive and scalable,” he said. Nota’s new feature for live event transcription and summarization drew particular interest as a way to cover school board and council meetings efficiently.

Key Takeaways: Elevating the Industry
The discussion concluded with an invitation for newsrooms to explore Nota’s capabilities. Both Jiles and Brandau emphasized the importance of laying a strong foundation for AI integration.

“Spend time upfront building your tone and optimizing the tool,” Jiles advised. “The results will speak for themselves.”

Brandau echoed the sentiment: “This isn’t just technology. It’s a partnership for innovation.”

Blinder summarized the session: “Efficiency doesn’t mean compromise. With tools like Nota and leaders like Clyde, we’re proving that quality journalism can thrive in the digital age.”

This collaboration between the Defender Network, Nota, and E&P demonstrates how newsrooms, regardless of size, can harness innovation to better serve their communities and sustain their missions.

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