Why Dalet is Committed to Supporting Authentic Storytelling
By Santiago Solanas, CEO, Dalet
We live in a world where the rapid flow of information shapes our reality, and news storytelling remains a pillar of human civilization. I’m not just talking about today’s headlines, but how stories connect us, inspire us, and guide our decisions. From my vantage point as Dalet’s CEO, I’ve come to appreciate the depth and complexity of the news industry, a realization that was only abstract before stepping into this role.
In recent months, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand the intricate process behind news production and dissemination. It is an ecosystem brimming with passion, yet hindered by financial and operational challenges.
With increasingly fragmented audiences and the rise of highly-biased and even fake news, maintaining the integrity of journalism is more crucial than ever. This is why at Dalet, we are on a mission to empower storytellers with innovative technology solutions, so they can overcome the challenges of delivering news in the 2020s.
This mission is also deeply personal to me – let me tell you why.
Storytelling as a Passion
Since becoming part of Dalet six months ago, I’ve been struck by the deep passion that permeates every level of the news industry. Whether it’s the journalist on the frontlines or the producer ensuring seamless delivery, each person plays a crucial role in the storytelling process. This dedication is not just about relaying facts, it’s about weaving narratives that connect people globally, fostering understanding and purpose.
Storytelling is an ancient craft. From prehistoric caves to digital newsrooms, stories have been the heartbeat of human communication, guiding us through survival, growth, and transformation. The role of storytellers today is more critical than ever, helping us make sense of an increasingly complex world. As I shared when I joined Dalet, my passion for news began early – I started reading The Economist at age thirteen. I’ve always been acutely aware of the difficulties news outlets face in adapting to rapidly changing digital landscapes, consumer demands, and new forms of competition.
Empowering news professionals and storytellers is truly an honor for me.
Addressing the Financial Realities
The economic landscape for news media is fraught with tension. While audiences might not perceive a crisis, companies grapple with profound financial challenges behind the scenes. Society must recognize the value of a healthy, diverse media ecosystem that counters thought manipulation and promotes a spectrum of perspectives.
Dalet recently partnered with Caretta Research to carry out a comprehensive research project into the future of news operations. The findings echoed concerns we’ve heard from our customers: over half of newsrooms have experienced budget cuts in the past year and are expected to do more with less. On top of that, 45% of news operations experience significant challenges with legacy systems. Specifically, outdated tools and fragmented workflows that limit access to content from the field and require users to jump between multiple systems to complete tasks. The full report is available for download here.
At Dalet, we have worked for over three decades to protect the future of newsrooms. Our solutions aim to bring operational value to newsrooms and transform business models, ensuring sustainability and integrity. Our recently launched Competitive Upgrade Program is designed to do exactly that: provide an efficient and financially-attractive path to modern news operations so they not only survive, but thrive in the future.
The Complexity of Real-Time News
Inside the newsroom, the challenge of delivering accurate news in real time is immense. The expectations are high – consumers demand immediate updates, often valuing speed over depth. This shift is driven by younger generations who live in an era of constant connectivity, where platforms like “BeReal” encourage real-time sharing, putting 24/7 pressure on news storytellers.
The transition from hour-based updates to second-by-second coverage has placed unprecedented pressure on media outlets. Despite these challenges, the industry remains at a crossroads — balancing the demand for rapid information with the depth and context that foster informed decision-making.
It is no surprise that Caretta’s research found that social media platforms as gatekeepers pose the greatest external threat to newsrooms, surpassing worries about declining revenues and audiences.
Safeguarding the Integrity of News in the Age of AI
The advent of AI presents both opportunities and threats to the integrity of news. Generative AI promises to enhance speed and reach, but also raises concerns about misinformation. At Dalet, we are actively working with the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) to develop solutions that ensure data provenance and trustworthiness. We are committed to integrating C2PA standards into our products, providing tools for news organizations to maintain their credibility in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
In addition, we leverage AI to help news organizations tell their stories more efficiently with AI-driven features such as wire summarization. Our tools also help reporters address the complexities of multilingual requirements with AI-driven translation for captions, graphics, voiceovers, and more.
Our goal is to harness AI responsibly, maintaining the delicate balance between innovation and integrity.
Why I Am Optimistic About The Future
The future of news storytelling lies in personalization and data integrity. Consumers will demand tailored content delivered through trusted channels. We must balance this with the need for diverse perspectives, ensuring that news remains a tool for enlightenment, not reinforcement of biases. Media companies must continue to challenge audiences with diverse viewpoints, fostering critical thinking and informed discourse.
Our vision at Dalet is clear—to help transform newsrooms into agile, future-ready entities in a world where news remains a vital force for good. We are executing this vision through strategic partnerships, innovative technologies, and a commitment to ethical standards. I’m encouraged to see that Caretta’s newsroom research found enormous optimism among the sixty leading news organizations it surveyed.
If you are a news storyteller or work in a newsroom today, I would be delighted to discuss how Dalet can enhance newsroom operations, safeguarding both integrity and accessibility for generations to come.
