Artificial intelligence is already transforming how news is reported and distributed, and along with those changes, reshaping newsroom teams and job functions. What does that mean for your role in journalism?
ONA is excited to introduce a new resource to help you navigate this question: the 9-week GenAI Course for Newsrooms, a unique learning series to explore practical uses for AI in the context of different newsroom roles.
For this pilot run, we are offering the opportunity to join one of three cohorts:
- Cohort 1: Audience Engagement Practitioners: Exploring AI tools for audience analytics, personalization, and engagement strategies.
- Cohort 2: Visual Journalists: Applying AI for data visualization, video editing, and creative workflows.
- Cohort 3: Newsroom Managers: Addressing strategic adoption, team management, and ethical considerations of AI.
Participants will complete the course through live virtual sessions between March 31–May 30, 2025 (specific dates are listed in the application form when you select a cohort). Each session will begin at 8 a.m. PDT / 10 a.m. CDT / 11 a.m. EDT and run for 90 minutes. We ask that participants commit to attending at least seven of the nine sessions. The series will include a mix of tailored training sessions on topics like advanced prompting and using AI to drive monetization, and design sprint sessions to collaborate on a vision for how the relevant newsroom role will evolve.
Applications are open now through March 13. Spots are limited to encourage collaboration and connection within each cohort.
What to expect when you apply
The application asks for brief answers. Here’s a quick rundown of what we’re interested in learning about you:
- Name, job role and organization
- Your familiarity with AI tools (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
- If applicable, examples of existing AI implementation in your organization
- Confirming you have paid/pro version access to at least one LLM
- Which of the three cohorts is most relevant to you
- Confirming you can attend at least seven of the nine sessions for your cohort of choice
- What you’re hoping to get out of the course
- Anything you want to share about other resources that would be helpful for you
The deadline to express your interest is March 13 at 11:59 p.m. PDT, and we’ll notify selected participants by March 18.
Funding for ONA’s AI in Journalism Initiative is generously provided by Microsoft, the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation and The Joyce Foundation. The initiative is expanding, and we’re seeking additional funders to reach even more newsrooms. To explore ways to support our work, contact Hanaa Rifaey, Head of Strategic Partnerships, at hanaa@journalists.org.