Journalists cautiously optimistic about AI, our new report finds

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January updateWelcome to the Thomson Reuters Foundation's monthly newsletter! New global study reveals unique insights on AI in the newsroom

The transition to the AI-enabled newsroom is well underway. Yet the technological transformation is not affecting the sector equally, with the risk of some newsrooms being left behind.

We surveyed more than 200 alumni of our journalism training programmes from over 70 countries to explore their use of this new technology. Their responses provide a snapshot of the scale of AI adoption across the Global South and emerging economies, the unique benefits and challenges they face, and their hopes for the future of journalism in the AI-age.

Our data-led learnings are presented in the first of our annual TRF Insights reports: Journalism in the AI Era: Opportunities and challenges in the Global South and emerging economies [[link removed] newsletter v1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=trf_ai_insights_report].

We found that over 80% of journalists surveyed are actively using AI for their work, and almost half were positive about the future of AI in the profession. But our findings also highlighted significant ethical concerns and distinct difficulties for those working in these regions. These included:

limited traininga lack of digital accessconcerns about accuracy, reliability, and the loss of human-centred skills.

The invaluable perspectives and experiences of our global alumni network helped to shape actionable recommendations for journalists, newsrooms, funders, policymakers, and AI platforms to drive equitable access to AI tools and training.

Read the full report now [[link removed] newsletter v1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=trf_ai_insights_report]

January highlights from across the Foundation

The rapid development and adoption of AI systems has impacted every industry globally.

This has accelerated the need for AI governance frameworks that can help balance technological benefits with ethical risks.

Nations worldwide are at various stages of addressing regulatory challenges, with each adopting a spectrum of policy measures to tackle these concerns.

Our new AI Governance for Africa Toolkit unpacks the context of AI governance in Africa and considers advocacy approaches for future governance, with a focus on Southern Africa.

Read the full toolkit [[link removed]]

Strengthening Independent Media

Applications are now open for the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism's Journalist Fellowships for the 2025-26 academic year.

For more than 40 years, the Thomson Reuters Foundation has been a proud founder and funder of the Fellowship Programme.

It is one of the world’s leading schemes for practising, mid-career journalists to take some time out from their day jobs to explore vital issues within journalism in depth.

Apply by 13 February 2025, 23:59 GMT [[link removed]]

Enabling Access to the Law

Intellectual Property (IP) law protects creations of the human intellect - such as inventions and original works - through legal protections including: copyright, trademark, patent, and trade secret.

Familiarity with IP law is important for businesses, non-profits, and social enterprises alike.

Our new guide - Navigating Intellectual Property Laws in the United States - provides an essential overview of the various branches of IP, as well as a guide on how to licence intellectual property rights.

Read the full guide [[link removed]]

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Discover more in our focus areas:​​​​​​​

Strengthening Independent Media [[link removed]]

Promoting Responsible Business [[link removed]]

Enabling Access to the Law [[link removed]]

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