Call for Entries: JournalismAI Skills Lab

Deadline: 21-Jun-2026

The JournalismAI Skills Lab is a free 14-week virtual programme that trains journalism professionals to apply large language models (LLMs), generative AI, and AI agents in newsroom workflows. It focuses on hands-on development of AI tools, prototypes, and journalistic proofs-of-concept through structured, lab-based learning. The programme is open to editorial and product professionals globally and requires around seven hours of weekly engagement.

Overview of the JournalismAI Skills Lab

The JournalismAI Skills Lab is an applied learning programme designed to help journalism professionals develop practical skills in artificial intelligence. It focuses on the real-world implementation of generative AI, LLMs, and AI agents within journalism workflows and newsroom environments.

The programme emphasizes experimentation, product development, and interdisciplinary collaboration to help participants build working AI prototypes and tools relevant to journalism practice.

Core Learning Focus Areas

The programme is centered on applied AI development in journalism.

Key focus areas include:

• Hands-on use of large language models (LLMs) in journalism
• Application of generative AI tools in newsroom workflows
• Development of AI-powered tools and prototypes
• Creation of journalistic proofs-of-concept using AI
• Integration of AI into editorial and product workflows
• Interdisciplinary collaboration between journalism and technology teams
• Product-oriented thinking in journalism innovation

Programme Structure and Delivery

The JournalismAI Skills Lab is structured as an intensive, practice-driven learning programme.

Programme features include:

• Duration: 14 weeks
• Delivery format: fully virtual
• Two live instructor-led sessions per week
• Additional self-paced assignments and lab work
• Approximately 7 hours of weekly commitment
• Combination of instruction, experimentation, and applied project development

Participants are expected to actively contribute to AI-based newsroom or project work throughout the programme.

Eligibility Criteria

The programme targets journalism professionals working at the intersection of media and technology.

Eligible participants include:

• Data journalists
• Reporters
• Editors and copyeditors
• Visual editors
• Product managers and product staff in newsrooms
• Other editorial or technical journalism professionals

Requirements:

• Basic understanding of AI concepts in journalism
• Familiarity with newsroom applications of AI systems
• Basic numeracy skills recommended
• Some knowledge of Python is helpful but not mandatory

Preparation guidance for applicants without coding experience:

• Code Academy introductory courses
• Google Crash Course on Python
• Learn Python beginner resources

Learning Outcomes and Outputs

Participants are expected to produce tangible AI-driven outputs during the programme.

Expected outcomes include:

• Development of AI-based tools or prototypes
• Creation of journalistic proofs-of-concept
• Contribution to interdisciplinary newsroom AI projects
• Improved ability to apply generative AI in journalism workflows
• Certificate of participation upon completing at least 80% attendance

Programme Benefits and Support

The programme is designed to reduce barriers to participation and support practical innovation.

Participant support includes:

• Free participation (no cost)
• Access to required tools and software for project work
• Financial awards for selected participants based on project outcomes
• Mentorship and structured learning support

Cohorts and Global Participation

The programme runs two cohorts per cycle to ensure global representation.

Cohort structure:

• Cohort 1: 15 participants from Africa, Europe, and the Americas
• Cohort 2: 10 participants from Asia-Pacific and the Middle East

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the JournalismAI Skills Lab?
  • It is a 14-week virtual programme that trains journalism professionals to apply AI tools such as LLMs, generative AI, and AI agents in newsroom workflows.
• Who can apply for the programme?
  • Eligible applicants include:
    • Journalists and editorial professionals (reporters, editors, copyeditors)
    • Data journalists and visual editors
    • Product and technology staff in newsrooms
    • Professionals working at the intersection of journalism and AI
• Is prior coding knowledge required?
  • No, but:
    • Basic understanding of AI in journalism is required
    • Python knowledge is recommended but not mandatory
    • Introductory Python resources are suggested for preparation
• What is the time commitment?
  • The programme requires:
    • Approximately 7 hours per week
    • Two live sessions weekly
    • Additional self-paced assignments
• Is the programme free?
  • Yes:
    • Participation is completely free of cost
    • Additional tools and software support is provided
• What will participants produce?
  • Participants are expected to develop:
    • AI-powered journalism tools
    • Prototypes and proof-of-concept projects
    • Contributions to newsroom AI initiatives
• Is there any certification?
  • Yes:
    • Participants receive a certificate upon completing at least 80% attendance

Conclusion

The JournalismAI Skills Lab is a structured, practice-oriented programme designed to equip journalism professionals with advanced applied AI skills. By focusing on real-world tool development and newsroom integration, it enables participants to actively build and implement AI solutions that enhance modern journalism workflows.

For more information, visit JournalismAI.