How to get hyper-customized news updates using ChatGPT Scheduled Tasks

3 Example Prompts for Trip Planning, keeping up with Executive Orders, and {templated} response format for my {home city}

Feb 19, 2025

I’m a bit of a news junky. In the past, I’ve used various RSS readers and news alert services to keep me informed on topics I am specifically interested in. As social media got bigger in the 2000s - 2010s I used Twitter notifications from accounts I respected. At present, I’m prioritizing my time away from Twitter/X, Threads, and Bluesky in an attempt to do deeper and more focused work.

However, I still have a need for news, and I’ve started using ChatGPT Scheduled Tasks to get timely updates, and I love it. Here’s the approach I’m taking, with specific prompts

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1. A simple summary of news for a country that I’m planning to visit later in the year

Prompt

At 8am every day give me a news summary for the country of Greece. Focus on cultural events, the arts, and small business more than politics. Include a section that focuses on Crete. Include a section that focuses on other cultural news from around the Mediterranean. If there is anything cultural of interest happening from [date range], include a section for that.

In this example, “[date range]” is spelled out as something like “June 1 - 15”

Result

Good, but tends to be a bit repetitive. I like how in the Web UI, the weather section is nicely formatted with callouts for Severe Weather alerts:

2. Daily Summary of White House Executive Orders with Top N Pro/Opp headlines in both US and EU

Prompt

At 9:45am every day list all Executive Orders from the White House in the past 72 hours, from newest to oldest. Under each Order, using US news sources, list the top three headlines in support, and top three headlines in opposition. Do the same for EU news sources. Link to all sources. This means that under each Order there should be 12 headlines.

Result

I am pleased with the results returned by this prompt (in the sense of the accuracy and coverage), especially:

Each Executive Order is explained, for example:
As of 9:45 AM EST on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, President Donald Trump has signed the following Executive Orders in the past 72 hours:
1. Executive Order: Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies
Signed: February 18, 2025
This order aims to extend White House control over independent agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). It requires these agencies to submit major regulations for review by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and mandates regular reporting and coordination. The order is grounded in the unitary executive theory, suggesting the President exercises sole authority over the executive branch. Critics predict significant legal challenges, arguing it violates the principle of independent regulatory bodies established by Congress.
ChatGPT gives a bit of reasoning for why it bucketed each as in support, or in opposition.

”The Wall Street Journal reports on the President's move to increase accountability of agencies like the FCC and SEC.”

vs.

”Politico analyzes concerns over the erosion of independent regulatory bodies.”

Given the nature of this topic, I will share the entire link here:

https://chatgpt.com/share/67b5ef01-1944-8005-9862-e81694d86c00

3. Custom-formatted news update for my home city of Richmond, VA

Prompt

At 9:10am every morning write a custom roundup of Richmond, VA news. Follow this format:

{Top Headline 1, unique subject among these three top headlines} {source}
{Top Headline 2, unique subject among these three top headlines} {source}
{Top Headline 3, unique subject among these three top headlines} {source}

{biggest crime, no older than 7 days}
{smallest crime, no older than 7 days}

{weather for 23233}

{Massanutten Resort Ski Report}

{events this coming weekend that are not alcohol-focused}

{sales or promotions from local businesses}

Result

I really like this approach. The uniqueness of the Top Headlines isn’t as unique as I’d like, but I’m sure I can iterate on it. In fairness, we have had more snow than usual.

Are you using ChatGPT Scheduled Tasks?

If so, I’d love to hear how you’re using them. Get in touch and share!

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