Artificial intelligence is reshaping newsrooms across the world, and a new international training programme is giving journalists the chance to build practical AI skills at no cost.
- Artificial intelligence is reshaping newsrooms across the world, and a new international training programme is giving journalists the chance to...
- The 2026 JournalismAI Skills Lab has opened applications for media professionals seeking hands-on experience in generative AI, large language models,...
- Focus on Practical AI Skills According to JournalismAI, the programme aims to help media professionals become active contributors to AI adoption...
- Global Cohorts and Industry Experts The 2026 edition will operate through two regional cohorts.
Keep reading for the full breakdown on AI journalism — everything you need to know is covered below.
The 2026 JournalismAI Skills Lab has opened applications for media professionals seeking hands-on experience in generative AI, large language models, and AI-powered newsroom tools. The fully virtual programme will run for 14 weeks and is organised by JournalismAI at the London School of Economics and Political Science, with support from the Google News Initiative.
The initiative targets journalists, editors, product professionals, and newsroom innovators who want to move beyond basic AI experimentation. Participants will learn how to create newsroom prototypes, improve editorial workflows, and apply AI tools responsibly within journalism environments.
Focus on Practical AI Skills
According to JournalismAI, the programme aims to help media professionals become active contributors to AI adoption in their organisations rather than passive users of emerging technologies. The curriculum combines live classes, workshops, laboratory sessions, and independent practical exercises.
Participants are expected to commit around 7 hours per week, including 2 live sessions and additional coursework. Training areas include AI-assisted storytelling, newsroom automation, product thinking, AI verification, and audience engagement strategies.
The programme will also introduce participants to Python-based AI workflows and the development of journalism-focused AI applications. While prior coding knowledge is encouraged, beginners may still apply if they are willing to complete introductory Python training before the course begins.
Global Cohorts and Industry Experts
The 2026 edition will operate through two regional cohorts. One cohort will serve participants from Africa, Europe, and the Americas, while another will focus on Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. JournalismAI says this approach will encourage regional collaboration and peer learning among participants facing similar newsroom realities.
The programme features instruction from AI and journalism specialists, including Pedro Henriques and Jenny Romano of The Newsroom. Both have extensive experience in AI development, newsroom innovation, and media training across Europe and beyond.
Dr Swapneel Mehta, an AI researcher and co-founder of SimPPL, will also contribute expertise in misinformation analysis and investigative journalism technologies.
Applications Open Until June
Applications for the JournalismAI Skills Lab close on 21 June 2026 at 11:59 PM GMT. Interested applicants must submit their forms in English and provide proof of newsroom affiliation, stable internet access, and availability for the weekly sessions. Independent journalists without newsroom affiliation are currently not eligible.
JournalismAI says the programme reflects growing demand for practical AI literacy in media organisations worldwide. In recent years, its wider training initiatives have reached thousands of journalists across more than 100 countries.
Interested applicants should apply for the programme here.