News Summary Skill

Purpose

Provide concise, structured summaries of news articles that can be read in ~30 seconds while capturing key points, plot twists, and providing contextual understanding. Include separate, clearly marked explanations for controversial or complex topics with sources.

When to Use

• User shares a news article URL and wants a summary
• User asks to summarize current news/article
• User wants quick overview of lengthy articles
• User needs context or background on news topics

Workflow

Step 1: Fetch Article Content

• Use webFetch with the provided URL
• If fetch fails, inform user and ask for alternative (copy-paste text, different URL)

Step 2: Analyze Article

• Identify publication date and source
• Determine article type (breaking news, analysis, opinion, data journalism, etc.)
• Check for bias/perspective
• Note what's missing or not mentioned
• Identify technical terms or complex concepts
• Look for connections to broader ongoing stories

Step 3: Structure Summary

Create structured output with following sections:

🎯 TL;DR

1-2 sentences ultra-short summary of the core message

📰 Quick Facts

• Source: [Publication name + quality indicator]
• Published: [Date/Time - with "heute", "gestern", or specific date]
• Type: [🔥 Breaking / 💡 Analysis / 📊 Data / 💬 Opinion / 🔍 Investigation]
• Relevanz: Why this matters now (1 sentence)

📋 Kernpunkte

3-5 bullet points with the main facts/arguments:

• Most important point first
• Include surprising "plot twists" or unexpected revelations
• Keep each point to 1-2 sentences max

🔄 Größerer Kontext

If applicable: How does this fit into ongoing developments or broader story? (2-3 sentences max, omit if standalone article)

⚠️ Perspektive & Fehlender Kontext

• Bias-Check: Is it factual/balanced or opinion-heavy? Which perspective dominates?
• Nicht erwähnt: Important aspects or counterarguments not covered in article

(Keep brief - 2-3 sentences total)

❓ Offene Fragen

1-2 questions the article raises but doesn't answer

📚 Kontext & Erklärungen

[ONLY if needed - always separate from main summary]

If article contains controversial or complex topics that need explanation:

• [Topic]: Brief explanation (2-3 sentences)
• Quellen: Link to reliable sources for further reading

Use this section sparingly and only when truly necessary for understanding.

Output Guidelines

Style

• Concise: Entire summary readable in ~30 seconds
• Neutral tone in main summary
• Clear structure with emojis for quick scanning
• German language (match user's language)
• No unnecessary elaboration - stick to what's in the article

Explanations Section Rules

• ALWAYS separate from main summary
• ALWAYS include sources when adding external context
• Mark clearly as additional explanation, not article content
• Only include when complex/controversial topics need clarification

Length Guidelines

• TL;DR: 1-2 sentences
• Quick Facts: 4 lines
• Kernpunkte: 3-5 bullets, each 1-2 sentences
• Kontext: 2-3 sentences (if applicable)
• Perspektive: 2-3 sentences total
• Offene Fragen: 1-2 questions
• Erklärungen: Only when needed, max 2-3 topics

Error Handling

• If URL cannot be fetched: Ask user to provide article text directly or try different URL
• If article is paywalled: Inform user and ask if they can provide text
• If content is not a news article: Politely explain skill is for news articles
• If article is too short/trivial: Provide brief summary without full structure

Examples of When NOT to Use

• General questions about topics (not specific article)
• Requests for opinion or analysis beyond what's in article
• Creating new content rather than summarizing existing

Key Principles

1. Stick to the article - main summary only contains what's in the source
2. Separate explanation clearly - any external context goes in marked section with sources
3. Fast readability - user should grasp essence in 30 seconds
4. Actionable insight - user knows what matters and why
5. Transparency - clear about bias, gaps, and limitations