AI in Journalism Initiative

Program Type: Training, strategy, and community-building program focused on AI in journalism

Program Overview

This initiative helps news organizations evaluate tools and set strategy for integrating AI into their journalism practices. The program combines hands-on trainings, practitioner meetups, and gatherings with leaders in journalism and technology to support newsrooms in understanding and implementing AI effectively.

Hands-On Trainings

• Tool evaluation workshops
• Strategy development sessions
• Skill-building for journalists using AI
• Examples include:
  • AI Tools for Journalists Part II (April 24): Claude, ChatGPT Plus Custom GPTs and plugins, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, MidJourney, and more
  • AI Innovator Collaborative (Monthly, April 9+): Monthly gathering for ONA members already using AI tools in journalism
  • Leveraging AI in Your Audience Engagement Strategy (May 8): Exploring AI for audience engagement and workflow optimization
  • Deep Dive Into LLMs, Applications and Prompt Engineering
  • Open-Source AI for Newsrooms

Practitioner Meetups

• AI Innovator Collaborative: Monthly virtual community events for members using AI
• Peer learning and idea-sharing
• Networking with colleagues implementing similar solutions

Industry Convenings

• AI x Journalism House: Two-day immersive event (held at SXSW 2024 in Austin, TX)
• Brought together ~200 participants including journalists, technologists, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders
• Speakers from major organizations (NY Times, BBC, Texas Tribune, MacArthur Foundation, Microsoft, Meta, Hugging Face, Cohere, Yahoo, Poynter Institute, etc.)

Focus Areas

• Generative AI Applications: How to use LLMs effectively in journalism
• Tool Evaluation: Understanding capabilities and limitations of various AI tools
• Ethics and Bias: Addressing potential harms, bias, and ethical concerns
• Transparency: Labeling AI-generated content and maintaining audience trust
• Labor and Impact: Understanding implications for newsroom workers
• AI for Specific Functions:
  • Investigative reporting (document analysis, pattern recognition)
  • Content summarization (policy documents, complex information)
  • Audience engagement strategies
  • Audio and visual storytelling

Key Themes

• Rigor and Verification: AI tools must be vetted; human journalists remain essential
• Reader-First Approach: Technology should serve audience needs
• Journalism First Principles: Truth and transparency must apply to AI-assisted reporting
• Open-Source AI: Democratizing access to AI tools and methodologies
• Community Resilience: Using AI to support reporting on critical issues (climate, immigration, justice system)

Program Accessibility

• Trainings available for ONA members
• Some sessions open to broader community
• Virtual and in-person options
• Tiered participation (individual tools, organizational strategy, leadership)

Geographic Scope

• National and international
• Virtual options for remote participation

Cost

• Member discounts on trainings
• Some sessions included in ONA membership
• Specific pricing varies by program

Contact

• Online News Association
• 1111 North Capitol Street Northeast, Second Floor
• Washington, DC 20002
• Website: journalists.org
• Email: Contact through website

Related Resources

• AI Tools for Journalists guides with tips, prompts, and resources
• Case studies of effective AI implementation
• Connections to technology partners (Hugging Face, Cohere, OpenAI, etc.)

For Training Sessions:

Registration:

• Register through ONA website at journalists.org
• ONA members receive discounted pricing
• Non-members can attend some sessions

Required:

• Email registration or online form
• Basic contact information

For AI Innovator Collaborative (Monthly):

Eligibility:

• ONA members currently using AI tools in journalism
• Demonstrated experience implementing AI

Registration:

• Contact ONA through website
• Monthly meetup schedule posted on journalists.org
• Virtual attendance option available

For Major Events (AI x Journalism House, etc.):

Application/Registration:

• Registration opens several months in advance
• Limited capacity for in-person events
• First-come, first-served or selection process for high-demand events

Key Steps to Get Involved:

1. Become an ONA member (optional but recommended for discounts)
2. Visit journalists.org to view upcoming training dates
3. Register for specific sessions of interest
4. Attend trainings (virtual or in-person)
5. Join monthly AI Innovator Collaborative if qualified

Materials Provided

• Training slides and resources
• Tool guides with tips and prompts
• Case studies and best practices
• Resource lists and recommendations
• Recordings (when available)

Contact for Details

• Online News Association
• Website: journalists.org
• See Programs section for current schedule and registration links