Open call for media professionals from CEE and Western Balkans: Apply for the AI in media masterclass in Prague

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Learn from global industry experts and explore cutting-edge AI solutions to drive innovation and uphold ethics in news production

Are you a media professional from Central and Eastern Europe, or the Western Balkans, interested in artificial intelligence?

Apply for the masterclass on AI in Media: Shaping the Future of Journalism with Innovation and Ethics, designed for media professionals in managerial and executive roles, or those aspiring to such positions. Carried by Thomson Foundation, the programme offers tailored learning experiences focused on AI-driven solutions from the leading global newsrooms.

Masterclass facilitators will be:

Phoebe Connelly is the Senior Editor of AI Strategy and Innovation at The Washington Post, leading the integration of generative AI and emerging technologies to serve the Post’s mission. Previously, she was the Director of Next Generation Audiences, expanding the Post’s reach to younger and more diverse readers. She also served as deputy director for the Post’s award-winning video team, where she pioneered its presence on Twitch and played a key role in developing video strategies. Connelly was part of the team that won the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for covering the 6 January Capitol insurrection and received the Alfred I. DuPont Silver Baton Award in 2020.

David Caswell is the founder of StoryFlow Ltd, an innovation consultancy focused on AI in journalism. He was previously the Executive Product Manager of BBC News Labs and has held senior roles leading AI initiatives at Yahoo!, Tribune Publishing, and The Los Angeles Times. Caswell also publishes peer-reviewed research on computational and automated forms of journalism, including as a Fellow at the Missouri School of Journalism. He is a frequent speaker and writer about the opportunities and challenges facing journalism in the emerging AI-mediated digital media ecosystem.

Guest speaker: Liz Lohn – 12 years leading product teams and 3 years building her own startups crystallized her passion for creating change through technology. Her work has spanned applying AI to financial, property, health, and education products. Currently, Liz is leading a product team tasked with focusing on and accelerating the development of AI products at the Financial Times.

ABOUT THE MASTERCLASS

This masterclass is a part of Thomson Foundation’s Executive Learning Series and it is the fourth masterclass taking place in 2024. 

The Executive Learning Series offers innovative, practical learning experiences that shape critical skills for strategy-driven media professionals from CEE and WB. Tailored to encourage “out of the box” mindset in the media industry, the programme equips participants with the knowledge and tools to implement strategic solutions, fostering growth and sustainability within their media organisations.

In this masterclass, participants will gain insights into cutting-edge AI technologies and workflows shaping the future of media, while learning how to maintain ethical standards in news production and content creation. As AI continues to shape the media landscape, it is crucial for professionals to stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies. This event will bring together top experts and participants to explore AI’s role in journalism, news production, and media workflows. The masterclass will focus on real-world applications, innovation, and ethical considerations to help participants responsibly integrate AI into their work.

WHERE AND WHEN? 

The workshop will take place on 5-6 December 2024, in Prague, Czechia.

WHO CAN APPLY? 

The programme intends to attract individuals from media organisations based in Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria or the Western Balkans (Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro).

The ideal participant for the “AI and Media: Shaping the Future of Journalism with Innovation and Ethics” masterclass is a forward-thinking media professional who is eager to explore how AI can be integrated into their work. 

They should have a strong interest in adopting new technologies and an awareness of the challenges and opportunities AI presents in journalism and media production. This individual is likely working in a newsroom, media organisation with an active role in content creation, news production, or digital strategy.

COST OF THE PROGRAMME

For all selected participants Thomson Foundation will cover participation fees, including travel, accommodation, and meals.  Additional individual expenses (local transport – taxi, buses etc) will not be covered.

HOW TO APPLY?   

Here is the APPLICATION FORM. Applicants should fill the form out and submit directly via Jotform. They should attach a CV that includes their current position, description of their role, as well as clear references to previous working experiences.  

Deadline for applications is November 5, 2024, by 23:59h CET.  

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