Wednesday 7th January 2026at 10:00 am CET
2,5 hours training session online
Free training for CIRCOM Members
Journalists from CIRCOM members took part in an innovative training session aimed at exploring the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern journalism. Led by Hervé Letoqueux from Check First OY, the workshop offered an in‑depth look at AI‑powered tools and practical applications, demonstrating how these technologies can enrich storytelling, streamline investigative work, and boost research efficiency. At the same time, it stressed the ethical considerations that must remain central to this evolution.
Ethics was a focal point of the discussions, centering on three core principles: trustworthiness, fairness, and transparency. Journalists were urged to verify the reliability of AI‑generated content against credible sources, to select tools that respect intellectual property and promote inclusivity, and to stay vigilant about potential biases in training data. Transparency emerged as a key takeaway, with an emphasis on disclosing AI use in content creation to preserve audience trust.
The training continued with an overview of how AI is reshaping journalism. Participants discovered how AI tools can detect patterns in massive data sets, create compelling visual content, and even generate summaries or insights from complex documents. The session highlighted the need to balance innovation with responsibility, a theme that ran throughout the session.
Attendees were introduced to a range of AI tools tailored for journalists. Research and summarisation platforms such as Perplexity and Google Notebook LM, visual‑storytelling tools like DALL·E and Midjourney, and transcription services such as Whisper AI or self-hosted Scribberr featured prominently. Investigative tools—including satellite‑image analysis and Picarta.ai—showcased how AI can support deep reporting on complex issues. Hands‑on exercises gave participants practical experience, helping them learn how to employ these tools effectively and ethically in their daily work.
A recurring theme throughout the session was the importance of using AI as a supplement rather than a replacement for human judgment. Journalists were encouraged to approach AI critically, maintaining editorial oversight and ensuring that outputs are accurate, unbiased, and aligned with journalistic standards.
The training underscored CIRCOM’s commitment to preparing its network of journalists for the challenges and opportunities of an AI‑driven era.