Online Workshop on Practical Implementation of AI Tools in Journalism
Fifteen journalists from the Western Balkans participated via Zoom in this intensive training designed to equip them with the practical skills and ethical framework to effectively integrate Artificial Intelligence tools into their journalistic practices. The workshop focused on key platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini 2.5 and Manus, aiming to enhance reporting efficiency and capabilities while rigorously upholding core journalistic standards and ethics.
The workshop was structured across two sessions. Session 1 concentrated on Technical Competency, guiding participants to understand the capabilities and limitations of the featured AI tools, master effective prompt engineering techniques for journalistic tasks, develop proficiency in generating and manipulating AI content, and learn to critically evaluate outputs for quality, accuracy and relevance, including selecting the most suitable AI content for different story types.
Session 2 shifted the focus to Ethical Understanding and Practical Application. This involved analyzing the ethical implications of using AI in newsgathering, recognising and mitigating potential biases in AI outputs, designing responsible workflows that integrate AI while maintaining journalistic integrity, applying AI tools effectively to real-world scenarios, and building confidence in explaining AI usage transparently to audiences and stakeholders.
As a result of the training, participants achieved key outcomes enabling them to explain the functions of key AI tools and select appropriate ones for specific needs. They gained the ability to write effective prompts, confidently use ChatGPT, Gemini 2.5 and Manus, and critically evaluate and refine the generated content.
They learned also to develop workflows incorporating AI responsibly, understand crucial ethical considerations like bias and transparency and implement transparent practices. Critically, participants enhanced their capacity to assess the journalistic value and ethical implications of AI content, successfully balancing efficiency gains with the preservation of journalistic integrity.
The participating group entered the workshop with varied levels of prior AI experience, but demonstrated strong engagement and active participation throughout, particularly during hands-on exercises and ethical discussions.
A notable shift was observed from initial caution towards viewing AI as an augmentation tool for journalism rather than a replacement. Participants showed significant development in their ability to critically evaluate AI outputs. The trainer assessed the overall achievement as satisfactory, concluding that participants successfully grasped core AI concepts, improved their prompt writing, and developed a strong ethical understanding.
The workshop’s structure was highlighted as a key strength, seamlessly blending theory with practical application and progressing logically from technical skills to ethical considerations.
While foundational skills were well covered, it was noted that some participants might benefit from further practice in advanced troubleshooting and direct AI content generation for journalistic pieces. The well-organised structure, balancing theoretical grounding with hands-on application and fostering peer learning, was identified as the crucial factor underpinning the workshop’s success.
