Propublica announced Wednesday that it is taking part in a cross-industrial effort to explore ways in which artificial intelligence technology can contribute responsibly to the work of investigative journalism. As part of the program, Propublica will hire two-year fellowship engineers. The program is supported by the Renfest Journalism Institute and includes four other newsrooms: the Boston Globe, Dallas Morning News, the Baltimore Banner and the Arizona State University newsroom.
At Propublica, engineers explore how machine learning can help award-winning engagement reporting groups. From callouts and tip lines to the science of civic fuels, these reporters gather leads and evidence from communities around the country. We want to explore whether large-scale language models can help us evaluate, categorize and route incoming hints more efficiently.
“We believe these technologies could help journalists and readers find needles in Haystack,” said Ben Weldmaller, senior director of technology. “We are excited to explore what is possible to meet our values and standards.”
As part of the programme, participating news organizations will work together to share what they have learned, product development, case studies and technical information needed to help them replicate their work in other newsrooms.
The goal of the Lenfest AI Collaborative and Fellowship is to help local news publishers leverage new AI technologies to build sustainable businesses. The program was launched in October 2024 and received $10 million in support from Openai and Microsoft. Each awarded $2.5 million in direct funds and $2.5 million in software and enterprise credits.
“Lenfest Institute is proud to partner with Openai and Microsoft to expand its AI Collaborative and Fellowship program. The five publishers participating in the program are leaders in this field and look forward to sharing what they have learned with other parts of the industry. “Together with Open AI and Microsoft, the Institute is committed to investigating the ethical use of AI and moving forward with sustainable solutions for local news.”
About Propublica
Propublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that creates investigative journalism in the public interest. With a team of over 150 dedicated journalists, Propublica covers a variety of topics and focuses on stories that may drive real impact. The report is contributing to the passing of new laws. Reversal of harmful policies and practices. Accountability to leaders at the local, state and national level. Since launching its publication in 2008, Propublica has won eight Pulitzer Awards, five Peabody Awards, eight Emmy Awards and 16 George Polk Awards.
About the Renfest Institute for Journalism
The Lenfest Institute creates solutions for the next era of local news by investing in sustainable business models at the intersection of local journalism and communities across Philadelphia and the nation.
