73 models ranked for journalism and news. Scored with bonuses for web search (fact-checking), large context (source analysis), large output (long-form articles), streaming, and reasoning.
| # | Model | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GPT-5.4 ProOpenAI | 92 |
| 2 | GPT-5.4OpenAI | 92 |
| 3 | GPT-5.2 ProOpenAI | 91 |
| 4 | Claude Opus 4.6 (Fast)Anthropic | 90 |
| 5 | Claude Opus 4.6Anthropic | 90 |
| 6 | GPT-5.3-CodexOpenAI | 89 |
| 7 | GPT-5 ProOpenAI | 89 |
| 8 | Gemini 3 Flash PreviewGoogle | 88 |
| 9 | GPT-5.1-Codex-MaxOpenAI | 88 |
| 10 | o3 Deep ResearchOpenAI | 87 |
| 11 | o3 ProOpenAI | 87 |
| 12 | o3OpenAI | 87 |
| 13 | Grok 4.20xAI | 89 |
| 14 | GPT-5.3 ChatOpenAI | 87 |
| 15 | Claude Sonnet 4.6Anthropic | 85 |
| 16 | Claude Opus 4.5Anthropic | 85 |
| 17 | Grok 4xAI | 88 |
| 18 | Grok 4.20 Multi-AgentxAI | 88 |
| 19 | GPT-5.1 ChatOpenAI | 87 |
| 20 | Gemini 2.5 ProGoogle | 84 |
| 21 | Gemini 2.5 Pro Preview 06-05Google | 84 |
| 22 | Gemini 2.5 Pro Preview 05-06Google | 84 |
| 23 | Claude Sonnet 4.5Anthropic | 82 |
| 24 | Claude Opus 4Anthropic | 82 |
| 25 | o4 Mini Deep ResearchOpenAI | 81 |
| 26 | o4 MiniOpenAI | 81 |
| 27 | Gemini 3.1 Pro Preview Custom ToolsGoogle | 81 |
| 28 | Gemini 3.1 Pro PreviewGoogle | 81 |
| 29 | Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite PreviewGoogle | 80 |
| 30 | Claude Opus 4.7Anthropic | 79 |
Web search models cross-reference claims against multiple sources in real-time. Reasoning models evaluate conflicting information and identify potential misinformation patterns.
Large context windows process entire court filings, financial reports, and government documents. Web search pulls current context to supplement stored knowledge.
Large output models produce long-form investigative pieces, feature articles, and multi-part series. Streaming delivers real-time drafts for deadline-driven newsrooms.
Models analyze datasets, spot trends, and generate data-driven story angles. JSON mode outputs structured findings that integrate with visualization tools and CMS platforms.
Use AI for research, fact-checking, and draft generation, but always verify facts independently. Disclose AI involvement in published work per your outlet standards. AI excels at data analysis, source discovery, and summarizing public records - tasks that support rather than replace journalistic judgment.
Web search discovers public records and connects information across sources. Reasoning identifies patterns in datasets (financial filings, court records). Large context processes lengthy documents. Vision analyzes photos and documents. Function calling queries public databases and APIs.
Streaming models draft breaking news updates quickly. Web search provides real-time information. Models summarize press conferences, earnings calls, and public statements. They can maintain a consistent house style across fast-turnaround content.
AI handles routine tasks (weather/sports reports, earnings summaries, meeting coverage) freeing journalists for investigative and analytical work. It accelerates research by 3-5x, drafts stories 10x faster, and helps smaller newsrooms cover more stories with limited staff.