Applications open for the JournalismAI Academy for Small Newsrooms in Sub-Saharan Africa

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024 JournalismAI Academy for Small Newsrooms. This online program, provided free of charge, aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the capabilities of artificial intelligence to journalists and media experts working in small newsrooms.

Developed by the JournalismAI team at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and supported by the Google News Initiative, the Academy has been a fundamental component of the JournalismAI project since 2021, having trained over 100 newsroom professionals from various parts of the world.

The 8-week course is scheduled to commence in September 2024 and is tailored for journalists and media professionals affiliated with small news organizations (with fewer than 50 employees).

Criteria for the JournalismAI Academy for Small Newsrooms in Sub-Saharan Africa

1. The Academy caters to journalists and media professionals employed in small newsrooms with fewer than 50 employees.
2. Proficiency in English is a prerequisite for participation. In 2024, the JournalismAI Academy will choose 20 participants from Sub-Saharan Africa (encompassing Central Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, and West Africa) within the GMT-1 to GMT+4 time zones.
3. The ideal candidate should possess a basic understanding of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and be affiliated with a news organization that is exploring the utilization of these technologies.
4. While applicants with various newsroom roles will be considered, preference will be given to those who exhibit the capacity to drive the strategic integration of AI in their news organizations to address journalistic obstacles.
5. No coding skills are necessary to attend the Academy, and the only technical requirement is a reliable WiFi connection for engaging in live activities.
6. We welcome journalists and media professionals from diverse backgrounds to submit their applications.
7. The Academy is not open to freelancers, individuals outside the Sub-Saharan Africa region, or journalists lacking fluency in English.

Program Benefits of the JournalismAI Academy for Small Newsrooms in Sub-Saharan Africa

1. Participants will have enhanced their AI literacy and clarified AI buzzwords,
2. gained fresh insights from a diverse, interdisciplinary setting,
3. deepened their comprehension of the possibilities AI technologies present for journalism,
4. acquired new techniques and abilities to test and prototype innovative concepts,
5. expanded their perspectives on the role of technology in journalism,
6. familiarized themselves with a range of AI-powered tools accessible to news organizations,
7. and established a regional network of news innovators with similar mindsets.

Application for the JournalismAI Academy for Small Newsrooms in Sub-Saharan Africa

1. For  details visit the official website of the JournalismAI Academy for Small Newsrooms.
2. Deadline: 24 July 2024