The AI Postal Service is a multilingual, public-interest tool that provides direct access to local news from POSTAL through conversational search. It integrates retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) using the news archive, real-time translation, and content simplification, enabling users to ask questions and receive clear, accurate answers about local issues—in their own language. Rather than pushing news to audiences, the project enables users to pull the information they need, when they need it.
The initiative addresses news deserts in the Algarve and tackles the language barriers faced by migrants and other non-Portuguese speakers. The chatbot will be trained on POSTAL’s existing news archive and made available via the website, requiring no new digital skills from users.
Postal do Algarve – Publicações e Editores, Lda is a for-profit media outlet with over 35 years of history from Portugal. It has evolved from a weekly print publication into a national digital platform while maintaining a journalistic approach that is “humanised and close to people,” with a strong commitment to delivering “more and better information” for the Algarve region.
Goals (Expected) of the Project
Concrete objectives:
- Expand access to reliable local news among underserved groups;
- Eliminate language and literacy barriers through translation and simplification;
- Empower communities to engage with journalism by asking questions;
- Identify information gaps based on chatbot usage data.
Expected results:
- Reach 1,500 users within 9 months, with 40% of interactions in non-Portuguese languages;
- Enhance editorial responsiveness based on insights gathered from chatbot interactions.
The chatbot enhances media pluralism by opening the local information ecosystem to those currently excluded, helping to mitigate news deserts in inland areas of the Algarve. Democracy is reinforced by promoting equitable access to public-interest information and enabling informed participation in local decision-making processes.
