These are AI-powered chat services developed together by the two media houses – making it easier than ever for millions of readers in Sweden and Norway to find, understand, and explore the news. In 50 different languages.
The AI chatbot “Hej Aftonbladet” and VG’s “HeiVG” now offer readers a completely new way to access the newspapers’ journalism. The two AI-powered services were developed through a joint project involving both VG’s and Aftonbladet’s newsrooms, in collaboration with Schibsted Media AI Labs. Work began early this year, and throughout the winter and spring, colleagues across Norway and Sweden have worked together to bring the project to life – making sure the two evening newspapers are the first in the Nordics to launch verified, AI-driven news services.
Collaboration with a new dimension
“It’s been amazing to see this project grow and evolve. We’re used to collaborating digitally, since our team is spread across Norway, but working with new colleagues in Sweden has added a new dimension – and brought valuable new experiences”, says Marcus Husby, Head of AI Editorial at VG, who has led the project together with Aftonbladet’s Angelica Öhagen.
“Aftonbladet aims to be Sweden’s news site for everyone, and VG aims to be Norway’s. We want everyone – regardless of background or language skills – to be able to access our news and understand what’s happening in society. By building these AI bots together, we’re now one step closer to that goal, says Angelica Öhagen.
Despite working closely together to bring the project to completion, the two project leads didn’t meet in person until just a couple of weeks ago – at the NAMS AI conference in Copenhagen.
“It says something about how easily we can collaborate despite physical distance, make use of each other’s experience and resources, and create something truly valuable”, says Angelica Öhagen.
The Swedish version, “Hej Aftonbladet,” gives users quick answers to questions about news, sports, and entertainment, drawing exclusively from Aftonbladet’s journalism. The Norwegian version, “HeiVG,” also provides fact-based answers on the same topics based on VG’s journalism, but it also includes external sources.
Reaching new audiences
The launch marks an important step in both Aftonbladet’s and VG’s efforts to reach new audiences – including young people, news avoiders, and those who simply want quick answers to questions about current events. It’s also an example of how AI can help strengthen democracy by making quality journalism more accessible.
“At a time when access to accurate information is more important than ever, it feels vital to give our users the ability to access the news in the way they prefer – and on their own terms. Without hallucinations, which can otherwise be an issue with chatbots”, says Martin Schori, Head of AI and Innovation at Aftonbladet.
Øyvind Brenne at VG adds that generative AI is transforming the media industry in real time.
“When we look back on this launch in a year or two, I think we may well see it as the starting point for something entirely new in how journalism is consumed and delivered. Our ambition is for ‘heiVG’ to become a natural and integrated part of the VG experience”, he says.
Would you like to explore our new news chatbots? You can find them here:
Hej Aftonbladet
HeiVG
