Apply Thomas Reuters Foundation Program 2024/2025

September 19, 2024

Thomas Reuters Foundation Program 2024/2025 | Are you a journalists and representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) working in the field of AI and/or data and digital rights? If yes, This your opportunity. The programme focusing on the ethics of artificial intelligence and data and digital rights.

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The Thomson Reuters Foundation is delivering a strategic programme to raise public awareness and understanding of some of the human right risks introduced by artificial intelligence, and some of the mitigating measures that could be put in place to ensure that AI systems comply with the respect, protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

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.

This programme will be aimed at journalists and representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) working in the field of AI and/or data and digital rights.

The programme has two primary goals:

Raise public awareness of AI risks and AI Ethics
Facilitate more effective advocacy campaigns at public and governmental level through legal and communications capacity building.

This builds on TRF’s mission to support free, fair and informed societies and its expertise in using the power of journalism and the law to advance media freedom, promote inclusive economies and protect human rights.

Thomas Reuters Foundation Program

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.

The programme will also cover the Reuters standards of journalism and will involve a blend of lively interactive sessions, expert guest speakers and practical exercises, to sustain a highly engaging and relevant training experience. TRF will deliver the hybrid training in English, combining 1 day of online sessions, offline work, and 4 days of face-to-face sessions in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Program 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.
Utilize AI-driven tools in newsrooms to support reporting stories and drive efficiency.

Benefit

Participation in this programme is free.
If you are based outside of Johannesburg, your travel (e.g. flight) and accommodation costs will be covered by TRF.
All participants will receive a modest per diem allowance during the in-person training.
At the end of the course, participants will pitch story ideas for the opportunity to participate in a two-month mentoring programme where they will be supported to develop a story related to AI ethics and/or data and digital rights, receiving 8 hours of one-to-one mentoring and a story grant of $400 USD.

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.

The Following Documents Required

Two relevant work samples (maximum file size 5 MB). TV/Radio journalists may submit transcripts of broadcasts, a brief summary, and/or links to online versions. Participants are encouraged to provide details of circulation and reach of their publications if possible.
A biography of up to 200 words outlining your career.
A statement of up to 200 words describing how you expect to benefit from this course, how you plan to use the learnings in your professional work, and any factors affecting your work as a journalist which may be considered relevant to your application.