Training Opportunity – Reporting on AI Ethics and Data and Digital Rights

The Thomson Reuters Foundation is offering a new training opportunity to raise public awareness and understanding of some of the human rights risks introduced by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data and Digital Rights (DDR)

The programme is designed to equip journalists from South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate the challenges related to covering AI and digital rights-related stories.

The training will deepen reporters’ understanding of the principles of AI ethics, data privacy, and the use of AI in journalism. The course will cover various topics, including the ethical implications of AI, data collection and protection, bias (and fairness) in AI systems, regulatory gaps, AI and mis/dis information, and AI tools for journalists, amongst others.

Course Objectives

• Develop a better understanding of AI and digital rights.
• Explore ways to assess the credibility and validity of AI-driven research and solutions.
• Examine the human rights, political, socioeconomic, and regulatory aspects of AI.
• Enhance reporting, writing, and pitching skills of AI-related stories.
• Utilise AI-driven tools in newsrooms to support reporting stories and drive efficiency.

Course Learning Outcomes

Following the completion of the training, participants will:

• Gain a better understanding of AI and its human rights impact, as well as the existing gaps in policies;
• Understand the terminology related to the topic, stripping down jargon when necessary to expose and articulate the real-life impact of technology;
• Improve critical and strategic thinking around a complex and fast-evolving topic, looking ahead for likely outcomes;
• Understand and debunk misinformation related to the topic;
• Leverage AI tools in journalism work and research;
• Improve the quality of news articulating the impact of technology on the wider society in their local geographies;
• Leverage the multi-stakeholder approach facilitated by the programme to facilitate better collaboration, information sharing, and coordination.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be full-time journalists or regular contributors working for media organisations in South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
• Applicants should have a minimum of two years’ professional experience and should explain through their application why they will benefit from participation in this course, and how they plan to use the learning in their professional work.
• Once selected, applicants will also be asked to provide a letter from their editor supporting their participation in the programme. This will only be requested by TRF once applicants have been selected for the course.
• Applicants must have access to a minimum internet speed of 8 MB/second. (You can check the speed of your device at www.speedtest.net). Applicants will also need access to a computer to participate in the online training; participation from a mobile or smart phone will not be possible.

How to apply

The deadline for applications is September 30, 2024. To learn more and apply, please click here.