aiglossary.news is a dedicated, open-source resource created by and for data journalists to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence terminology. The platform was established to provide clear, accessible, and accurate definitions for professionals working in media who need to explain AI concepts to the public. The project is maintained by a team of experts including Ryan Serpico, the Deputy Director of Newsroom AI and Automation at Hearst Newspapers, alongside academic and journalistic collaborators like Libby Seline from the University of Chicago and Jon Keegan from Sherwood News. By centralizing technical definitions, the site serves as a vital bridge between complex machine learning jargon and clear, informative reporting.

The functionality of this resource centers on providing a curated, searchable database of terms specifically selected for their relevance to modern journalistic inquiry. Users can browse entries to better understand the nuances of AI development, algorithmic accountability, and technical infrastructure. The site facilitates a community-driven approach where users can suggest new terms, report inaccuracies, or contribute draft definitions through public GitHub repositories, ensuring the content remains current, accurate, and community-verified.

Some of the key features are:

• Community Collaboration: Users can request specific definitions or propose new entries via GitHub
• Open Source Infrastructure: The entire codebase and content structure are publicly available for inspection and modification
• Journalism-Focused: Definitions are tailored to assist reporters in contextualizing AI-driven news for a general audience
• Error Reporting: Dedicated mechanisms allow for flagging inaccuracies to ensure data integrity across the platform
• Expert Curation: Maintained by recognized professionals in newsroom AI and data journalism

The operation of the site is straightforward, serving as a web-based reference tool. Journalists can visit the site to search for specific AI terminology, allowing them to quickly retrieve verified definitions to inform their articles. Because the project operates on GitHub, it functions as a living document; as new technologies emerge, the maintainers and the community actively expand the glossary, ensuring that the vocabulary of AI reporting evolves alongside the technology itself. This model encourages transparency and collective verification in the creation of technical resources.

Some common use cases include:

• Fact-Checking: Reporters use the glossary to verify the technical accuracy of their AI-related copy
• Educational Background: Newsroom staff use the platform to learn about new AI concepts during research for complex investigative stories
• Term Standardization: Journalists use the site to ensure consistent terminology usage across newsrooms
• Contributor Engagement: Open source contributors assist by drafting new definitions to expand the scope of the glossary for the wider public