Columbia Journalism School Explores "AI in the Newsroom" with Events Through September

As Columbia Journalism School (CJS) expands the CJS2030 AI Initiative, the newest cohort of journalism students gain advanced insights about effectively using AI tools — and applying them responsibly to expand their reach into serious data reporting. Here are a few of the happenings around the School:

• September 9 — AI and Local News: Challenges and Opportunities for Journalism in NY
• September 25-26 — AI and the Newsroom: Navigating What’s Next
• September 27-29 — Media Party NYC: A Hands-on Conference and Hackathon on AI and Elections

The Tow and Newmark Centers: AI and the Newsroom
From September 25–26, 2024, the Tow Center for Digital Journalism and the Craig Newmark Center for Journalism Ethics and Security will host “AI and the Newsroom: Navigating What’s Next.”
This two-day conference will explore topics from an ethics and data-driven approach. 

The Brown Institute and Media Party: An AI+Journalism Hackathon Focused on Elections 

CJS also hosts practical workshops teaching applications of AI that turn unstructured information into structured data, and that help with web scraping and other reporting tasks. For the first time, the Brown Institute will host Media Party NYC, an immersive conference bringing AI right to the doorstep of CJS from September 27-29. 

This hands-on, three-day conference will include workshops and a “hackathon.” There, participants will develop innovative tools, products and services for the news and media industry. Given its timing, the event will focus specifically on AI and elections.

“[Being] creative is no longer ‘can you write the code to answer the question,’ but can I ask the right question or inspire a curiosity,” said Mark Hansen, Director of the Brown Institute for Media Innovation, the School’s hub for data journalism. “This is a way of working that brings data into the reporting practice, that produces secondary artifacts that can be checked. It really extends their powers.”

AI and Local News

Earlier this month, CJS hosted the Empire State Local News Coalition for  “AI and Local News: Challenges and Opportunities for Journalism in New York.” September 9’s panel explored how data tools can enhance investigative reporting and streamline newsroom operations. 

"This panel was a great example of the important conversations we want to have at Columbia Journalism School to build and support a strong local media industry,” said Juan Manuel Benítez, Philip S. Balboni Professor of Professional Practice of Local Journalism, to Editor&Publisher. “We are the perfect venue to explore the valuable tools AI can offer to strengthen journalism, while also addressing the many challenges it presents at this critical point for many local news outlets.”

CJS is a global leader in data journalism. Jonathan Soma, John S. and James L. Knight Professor of Professional Practice in Data Journalism and Director of the Data Degree Program, will meet with the Tokyo CJS Alumni chapter on September 24. Plus, he’ll participate in the Nikkei Lecture Series “Data Science Dojo.”

CJS is committed to preparing students for a future where AI will play a central role in journalism coverage and methods. CJS2030 ensures that graduates are not only proficient in new technologies but ready to lead with a critical, ethical perspective.

Coming up next: Climate Week at CJS. Learn about the CJS2030 Climate Initiative.