Online News Association Launches AI Training Sessions for Journalists
The Online News Association (ONA) now offers a global “AI in Journalism Initiative”—a virtual training series tailored for journalists worldwide. These sessions cover the fundamentals of generative AI, prompt writing, data journalism, ethical considerations, and tools for visual storytelling. Designed to help newsrooms integrate AI responsibly, the initiative empowers media professionals to adapt to the evolving landscape of digital journalism.(Online News Association, Online News Association)
What the Training Covers
ONA’s AI Training Series includes:
Generative AI fundamentals — how it works, best practices for responsible usage
Prompt writing — optimizing prompts for tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude to enhance reporting and workflow
AI-powered data journalism — using tools such as Julius.ai, Data Analyst, and scraping utilities for structured reporting
AI image & video tools — creating visuals, detecting AI-generated media, and fact-checking techniques
Ethics, legal and transparency — guidelines around copyright, attribution, labeling AI content, and accountability in newsrooms(Online News Association, Online News Association, Online News Association)
Sample Sessions & Who It’s For
Events include:
Advanced Prompt Writing (March 2025) — focus on complex, precise prompts for content generation(Online News Association)
AI for Freelancers (May & June 2025) — tools to pitch stories, manage workflow, conduct research, and write FOIA requests(Online News Association)
Advanced Data Journalism Tools (April 30, 2025) — exploring tools like Data Analyst, prompt libraries, and PDF scraping workflows(Online News Association)
Mini Labor Labs — hands-on workshops on prompt writing, image creation, fact checking AI deepfakes(Online News Association)
Most sessions are free for everyone or ONA members, with nominal fees for some advanced labs. Registration is done via Zoom and includes live participation.
Why These Trainings Matter
With AI transforming every stage of news creation—from research and story ideation to multimedia output and audience engagement—journalists must understand both the technical tools and legal-ethical frameworks guiding usage. These sessions aim to cultivate:
AI literacy in newsrooms
Ethical content creation with transparency disclosures
Skills for executing AI-augmented data reporting, multimedia creation, and newsroom workflow improvements(Online News Association, Wikipedia, Online News Association)
ONA brings in thought leadership from experts like Mike Reilley and organizations such as Poynter, Trusting News, and NPPA to ensure depth and relevance.(Online News Association)
Final Thoughts
ONA’s AI training series is a timely offering for journalists and media professionals seeking to responsibly integrate AI into their work. By bridging ethics, practical tools, and interactive learning, it delivers actionable insights to help newsrooms stay accurate, innovative, and audit-ready.
Join ONA’s AI in Journalism Initiative: virtual workshops on generative AI, prompt writing, data reporting, ethics and multimedia tools for journalists worldwide.
ONA AI training for journalists
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