Apply Now: JournalismAI Academy for Small Newsrooms

This is a training programme to help small newsrooms leverage the power of artificial intelligence.

It is designed by the JournalismAI team at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and powered by the Google News Initiative.

In line with JournalismAI’s mission to make the potential of AI more accessible for news organisations worldwide, the Academy aims to support small newsrooms that want to learn how AI can be used to enhance their journalism.

The programme combines a series of masterclasses given by experts working at the intersection of journalism and artificial intelligence with opportunities for discussion among participants. In addition to that, participants will be guided through the development of resources that can support their organisations’ AI-adoption journey during and after the programme.

Benefits

• Participants will leave the Academy with a practical understanding of the opportunities and challenges offered by AI technologies, examples of successful implementation, and the tools to set up an action plan to guide the development of AI projects in their news organisations.
• Through engaging presentations and interactive workshops, the programme aims to empower participant’s professional development and enable their organisations to access AI adoption and implementation.
• By the end of the programme participants will have:
  • Improved their AI literacy and demystified AI buzzwords
  • Gained new perspectives from a multicultural, interdisciplinary environment
  • Improved understanding of the potential offered to journalism by AI technologies
  • Learned new methods and skills to experiment and prototype new ideas
  • Developed their thinking about the role of technology in journalism
  • Learned about a set of AI-powered tools available for news organisations
  • Developed a regional network of like-minded news innovators

How does the programme work?

• The Academy is an 8-week fully-virtual programme, with six core modules, one introduction week, and one wrap-up week. Each module has a different focus:
  • MODULE #1 → What is AI and how is it used in journalism?
    • In this module, they will explore key concepts and definitions related to artificial intelligence, including machine learning, neural networks, and natural language processing/generation (NLP/NLG). Participants will gain a foundational understanding of AI and its applications in journalism.
  • MODULE #2 → Tools & Applications
    • In this module, they will focus on exploring available AI tools and how to implement them in the journalistic process. We will examine case studies of successful AI implementations in journalism, and provide guidance on selecting and integrating AI tools into newsrooms.
  • MODULE #3 → Data & Technology
    • In this module, they will focus on the importance of data and technology in AI implementation. They will discuss the types of data needed for AI processes and the tech infrastructure required to support them. Participants will also learn about data privacy and security concerns that must be addressed when implementing AI in journalism.
  • MODULE #4 → Generative AI for journalism: Best Uses
    • In this module, they will focus on exploring generative AI tools and mastering their efficient use in practical scenarios. They will delve into the techniques and strategies for optimising these tools, specifically focusing on crafting effective prompts.
  • MODULE #5 → Risks & Concerns
    • In this module, they will identify the risks and concerns associated with AI in journalism, such as bias, accountability, and transparency. Participants will learn about ethical considerations when using AI, and explore strategies for mitigating the potential harms of AI in journalism.
  • MODULE #6 → From Ideation To Implementation
    • In this module, they will focus on ideation, exploring the different possibilities and scenarios where AI can be applied to journalism. Through brainstorming sessions and group exercises, participants will develop new ideas for AI tools that can enhance and support their journalistic work.

Eligibility Criteria

• The 8-week programme will start in September 2024. It is designed for journalists and media professionals from small news organisations (fewer than 50 employees).
• Fluency in English is required to take part in the Academy.
• For 2024, they are selecting 20 participants from Sub-Saharan Africa (including Central Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, and West Africa) from GMT-1 to GMT+4.
• The ideal candidate already has a basic understanding of the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and works in a news organisation that has started exploring how to use these new technologies.
• Candidates with different newsroom titles will be considered but, in the selection process, priority will be given to candidates that demonstrate the ability to influence the strategic adoption of AI in their news organisation to tackle journalistic challenges.
• No coding skills are required to attend the Academy, nor are there any other technical requirements, other than a stable WiFi connection to participate in the live activities. They encourage journalists and media professionals from all backgrounds to apply.
• The Academy is not for freelancers – you need to be part of a newsroom to benefit from the programme. The Academy is not for journalists based outside the Sub-Saharan Africa region. Finally, the Academy is not for journalists who are not fluent in English.

For more information, visit JournalismAI.