Meet the Tech Reporters Using AI to Help Write and Edit Their Stories

Independent tech reporter Alex Heath has transformed his workflow using Anthropic's Claude Cowork AI agent as a modern rewrite desk. Heath built a detailed custom skill that includes his "10 commandments" of writing style, previous articles, and structural preferences, then connected Claude to his Gmail, Google Calendar, Granola AI transcription service, and Notion notes. Using Wispr Flow for voice-to-text, he speaks his scoops into the system, letting Claude generate first drafts that he then refines through 30-minute revision sessions. This process saves him 30-40% of his writing time each week, allowing him to focus more on reporting and source cultivation rather than the "zero-to-one" drafting process he dislikes.

Heath represents a growing trend among independent journalists who are using AI to recreate traditional newsroom resources like editors and fact-checkers. Jasmine Sun, former Substack product manager, takes a different approach—she uses Claude exclusively as an editor with strict instructions to never write sentences for her, only to provide feedback that enhances her voice and taste. This careful implementation addresses concerns raised by Google DeepMind research about AI making writing more homogeneous and less creative. Both journalists emphasize that their value lies in their reporting abilities and unique perspectives, with AI serving as a productivity tool rather than a replacement for human insight.