Deadline: 19 November 2023
Applications are open for the JournalismAI Academy, a training programme to help small newsrooms leverage the power of artificial intelligence.
The JournalismAI Academy for Small Newsrooms is a free online programme that offers a deep dive into the potential of artificial intelligence to journalists and media professionals from small newsrooms.
It is designed by the JournalismAI team at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and powered by the Google News Initiative.
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.
Modules
- 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 –Â 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 –Â Tools & Applications
- In this module, they will focus on exploring available AI tools and how to implement them in the journalistic process. They 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 –Â People & Culture
- In this module, they will examine the skills and cultural changes required for journalists and news organisations to effectively leverage the power of AI. They will discuss the importance of fostering an AI-literate culture within newsrooms, and explore strategies for identifying and developing the necessary skills among journalists and editorial staff.
- Module #5 –Â 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 –Â 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.
- In addition to the main programme they will also offer an extra workshop for those who are interested.
- [Optional] Extra Module –Â Implementation Workshop
- This workshop will be held a few weeks after the completion of the Academy to give participants time to ideate and develop their AI projects. During this workshop, participants will receive guidance and support from experts to help them bring their AI projects to life.
- Module #1 –Â What is AI and how is it used in journalism?
Benefits
- 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.
Eligibility Criteria
- The Academy is designed for journalists and media professionals working in small newsrooms (fewer than 100 employees).
- Fluency in Spanish is required to take part in the Americas cohort of the 2023/24 Academy.
- For the January 2024 cohort, they are selecting 20 participants from the Americas regions.
- 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 Latam region. Finally, the Academy is not for journalists who are not fluent in Spanish.
For more information, visit JournalismAI.