The Google News Initiative (GNI), in partnership with digital consultancy Bastion Digital, is inviting Philippine-based newsrooms to apply for the GNI AI Workshops program. This 16-week program aims to equip journalists with the skills and knowledge to harness the power of generative AI
The program, set to run from February to June 2025, will provide selected news organizations with the tools, training, and 1:1 support needed to experiment with and implement innovative AI-driven solutions. AI experts and industry mentors will guide participants in using current generative AI tools to launch a pilot and report on the results.
This initiative is the latest in Google’s commitment to improving local industries through the adoption of AI technology. In journalism, the adoption of generative AI has been swift—by 2023, 32% of newsrooms were already utilizing generative AI tools for the creation of news content, according to a survey conducted by Statista. With that number likely increasing and technology rapidly evolving today, AI skills stand to be among the most important to have among journalists.
The program provides a structured approach to AI experimentation, focusing on responsible and ethical use. It features expert-led sessions on Google’s generative AI tools, including Gemini, Pinpoint, and AI Studio. Participants will receive guidance from industry experts and Bastion Digital’s team to design and execute experiments using these tools.
News organizations interested in participating must be based in and serve audiences in the Philippines, with a core team of a minimum of two employees. Their representatives must be able to commit two to three people for the 16-week program.
The GNI AI Workshops program is also officially endorsed by the Commission on Elections, which looks forward to the use of AI in contributing to truthful and accurate reporting in the upcoming 2025 Philippine midterm elections.
Applications are now open and will be accepted until January 20, 2025. A selection process will determine the final five participants, which will be announced by the end of January 2025. Interested newsrooms can apply for the GNI AI Workshops program via this website.
