Forget the superstitions. This Friday the 13th, we’re turning the number into something worth celebrating. Octopus 13 is officially here – and it’s bringing a new era of newsroom innovation with it.
Smarter AI. Greater automation. Seamless collaboration. More freedom to work the way your newsroom needs to.
And since we’re not afraid of the number 13, we’re giving you 13 reasons why upgrading to Octopus 13 might just be your smartest move yet. Let’s count them down.
1. Agentic AI That Goes Beyond Prompts
AI that doesn’t just answer questions, it helps get things done.
Powered by the Octopus MCP server, Agentic AI can securely access newsroom information and support connected AI tools in retrieving stories, researching topics, finding archive content, and assisting with everyday editorial tasks.
Less repetitive work. More time for journalism.
2. A Web Client That Goes Wherever You Go
Your newsroom doesn’t stop at your desk. Neither should your tools.
The enhanced, mobile-friendly Octopus Web Client lets journalists write, edit, and publish from their browsers, whether they’re in the newsroom, reporting in the field, or working remotely.
No installation required. Just the flexibility to work wherever news happens.
3. Build Workflows Without Writing Code
Every newsroom works differently. Now adapting your workflows is easier than ever.
With the No-Code Workflow Designer, teams can create and modify processes using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
From editorial approvals and task assignments to notifications and automated actions, your newsroom can evolve without depending on developers for every change.
4. One Story. One Context. Better Connections.
Stories evolve. Their context should travel with them.
Through Story Context via SOM (Story Object Model), Octopus supports an approach that keeps editorial information and automation logic connected to the story, reducing duplicated work and disconnected information.
As a participating technology vendor in the SMART STORIES initiative, Octopus is helping shape a more interoperable future for news production.
5. AI on Your Terms
Your newsroom. Your data. Your rules.
Octopus 13 supports AI deployment on your own infrastructure, in the cloud, or through a combination of both.
With integrations across more than 15 AI technologies, broadcasters can explore intelligent assistance while maintaining control over data, security, and editorial decisions.
AI assists. Journalists decide.
6. Contextual AI That Understands Your Newsroom
Generic AI doesn’t know your editorial priorities. Contextual AI can work with them.
By drawing on information from rundowns, wires, and active assignments, Octopus provides more relevant assistance with summaries, headlines, scripts, and content preparation.
Smarter suggestions, grounded in the work your team is already doing.
7. More Control with the Octopus Customer Portal
Managing your newsroom technology should be straightforward.
The Octopus Customer Portal provides a centralized environment for managing user access, securely storing encryption keys, activating services, and accessing system insights and updates.
Greater visibility. Easier administration. More control.
8. Meet Nancy 2.0 – Your Virtual News Presenter
Meet the next generation of AI-powered video presentation.
Nancy 2.0 connects with multiple video generation models to turn written scripts into video content featuring lifelike expressions, natural gestures, and multilingual lip-sync.
A new creative possibility for broadcasters exploring AI-assisted video production.
9. Publish Across Platforms
One story can have many destinations.
Octopus supports content production and publishing across television, radio, web, mobile, and social platforms, helping editorial teams adapt stories for different audiences without rebuilding everything from scratch.
Create more efficiently. Reach audiences wherever they are.
10. Keep Everyone Connected in Real Time
Breaking news waits for no one.
Octopus keeps editorial teams connected with real-time collaboration, synchronized updates, and integration with communication tools including Microsoft Teams, Slack, and WhatsApp.
Whether your colleagues are across the newsroom or across the world, everyone can stay aligned as the story develops.
11. Connect with 100+ Technologies
Your newsroom already relies on a complex technology ecosystem. Octopus is designed to work with it.
With 100+ integrations, including MOS and API connectivity, Octopus connects with media asset management, graphics, studio automation, publishing, AI, and other production systems.
Keep the tools that work for you. Connect them more intelligently.
12. Modernize at Your Own Pace
There’s no one-size-fits-all newsroom.
Octopus supports cloud, on-premises, and hybrid deployments, giving broadcasters the flexibility to choose the infrastructure that fits their operational and security requirements.
Whether you’re transitioning from a legacy NRCS or expanding an existing installation, Octopus helps you modernize without unnecessarily disrupting daily production.
13. Because the Future of News Can't Wait
And here’s the biggest reason of all.
Octopus 13 isn’t simply about adding more features. It’s about bringing together the technologies modern newsrooms need – AI, automation, collaboration, interoperability, and multiplatform production – in one flexible newsroom system.
The goal? Less time spent managing technology and repetitive tasks. More time spent creating journalism that matters.
Make Friday the 13th Your Lucky Day
Some people avoid the number 13. We built our next generation around it. Octopus 13 is officially released, and ready to take your newsroom forward.
Discover what’s new, explore the possibilities, and see how Octopus 13 can help your newsroom work smarter, stay connected, and embrace the future of news production.