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.
Applications are now open, and the EXTENDED deadline to apply is Wednesday, 3 May 2023, at 11:59 PM GMT.
The Academy has been a core programme of the JournalismAI initiative since 2021, training 60 newsroom professionals from across the globe.
Thanks to the experience of the past two years and the exceptional feedback we received from participants, we are now reopening the Academy for two cohorts:
- Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)
- Asia-Pacific (APAC)
Later this year, we will open applications for the Americas as well.
The 8-week programme will start in June 2023. It is designed for journalists and media professionals from small news organisations.
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.
The Academy is FREE for selected participants, thanks to the support of the Google News Initiative, which has been powering JournalismAI since 2019.
What To Expect
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?
- MODULE #2 → TOOLS & APPLICATIONS
- MODULE #3 → DATA & TECHNOLOGY
- MODULE #4 → PEOPLE & CULTURE
- MODULE #5 → RISKS & CONCERNS
- MODULE #6 → FROM IDEATION TO IMPLEMENTATION
- [Optional] EXTRA MODULE → IMPLEMENTATION WORKSHOP
The Academy will take place from 14 June to 3 August 2023. The two cohorts (EMEA and APAC) will run in parallel. The programme includes two sessions per week. Participants are expected to dedicate 4 hours per week to the programme, across the 8 weeks
Who can Apply
The Academy is designed for journalists and media professionals working in small newsrooms (fewer than 50 employees for EMEA and fewer than 100 employees for APAC).
Fluency in English is required to take part in the Academy.
In 2023, we are selecting 20 participants from Europe, Middle East and Africa (from GMT-1 to GMT+4) and 20 participants from the Asia-Pacific region (from GMT+5 to GMT+12).
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. We 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 EMEA and APAC regions. Finally, the Academy is not for journalists who are not fluent in English.
What is Expected from Participants
If selected, you must commit to fully participate in the online sessions, to share your expertise with the other participants, and to approach the experience with enthusiasm, curiosity, and respect for your fellow participants. Participation in all the activities outlined above is mandatory.
How To Apply
You can submit your application via this link.
The extended deadline to apply for the JournalismAI Academy for Small Newsrooms is Wednesday, 3 May 2023, at 11:59 PM GMT.
