About us

Participants in the first “AI for Media” hackathon on the topic “Generative AI and Automated Workflows in Media Production.” Image: BR
Participants in the first “AI for Media” hackathon on the topic “Generative AI and Automated Workflows in Media Production.” Image: BR

Artificial intelligence has been used in journalism for years, but the release of various generative AI applications in 2022 significantly increased the demand for AI knowledge in the media industry. The AI + Automation Lab of Bayerischer Rundfunk, established in spring 2020, specializes in building AI products for journalistic purposes. The lab is also willing to share its expertise in developing and implementing AI for journalism with the industry. This is also true for Ippen Digital, the digital product forge of the Ippen media group. For this reason, we jointly founded the AI for Media Network in fall 2023. It targets AI experts from journalism, IT, and academia. By the end of 2025, over 1,200 individuals from around 500 organizations had joined the network, primarily from Germany, followed by Austria and Switzerland.

Who can participate?  

We designed the network from the outset as an interdisciplinary community of practice. Members include journalists, project and product managers, software developers, and researchers. They work for publishers and media houses, broadcasting companies, software manufacturers, IT service providers, or universities. Academics researching AI applications and interested in practically testing their research results with journalistic partner organizations are a key target group for the network. This was evident when we organized our first event in January 2024 in collaboration with the Technical University of Munich: At the “Science meets Journalism” workshop, journalists and researchers showcased their current AI projects to each other and identified intersections.

How does the AI for Media Network operate?  

The network is designed for the exchange of methods and knowledge. We facilitate this through various events:

  • At meetups, members demonstrate use cases where AI is applied in various stages of journalistic workflows: from research to production to distribution. Meetups typically occur quarterly, alternating between Munich and other cities.Meetups typically occur quarterly, alternating between Munich and other cities.  
  • During our annual hackathon, interdisciplinary teams develop proofs of concept or prototypes for AI-based products and workflows.
  • At our symposiums, we strategically consider how media organizations must adapt their (data) infrastructure and workflows to reach users with relevant content in the AI-mediated information age. 

The AI for Media Network also frequently acts as a program partner for conferences where AI in journalism plays a central role. Examples include the Media Lab Innovation Festival, the News Impact Summit by the European Journalism Centre, or the Festival of the Future. In our LinkedIn group, we collect topic suggestions for meetups and exchange perspectives on current AI developments.

What are the benefits of participating?  

Know-How: Attendees of AI for Media Network events have the opportunity to learn from recognized experts how to implement AI applications.

Connections: The AI for Media Network is the perfect place to establish valuable contacts with AI experts in journalism and academia.

Solutions: The AI for Media Network aims to assist participants in developing AI products for their own organizations. Participants can present their AI challenges at a meetup and receive solution suggestions. Occasionally, network members also release code under an open-source license.

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