On January 18th, over 60 researchers and BR staff members gathered to discuss AI use cases. This workshop marked the inauguration of the AI for Media Network, initiated by BR.
Journalism currently faces significant challenges. Uli Köppen, head of BR’s AI + Automation Lab, emphasized the increasing need for algorithms and AI in journalism during challenging times, especially for investigation, verification, or content distribution: “We need this knowledge in journalism and the interdisciplinary exchange we aim to facilitate through the AI for Media Network.”
This interdisciplinary exchange at the intersection of journalism, technology, and science took place on January 18th, 2024, during the “Science meets Journalism” workshop organized by BR’s AI + Automation Lab and the Munich Data Science Institute at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). The agenda featured 23 presentations, categorized into three main topics: Large Language Models, Algorithmic Accountability Reporting, and Personalization. The AI + Automation Lab introduced these topics with examples from its activities.
The scientific presenters primarily came from TUM and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and other German universities. Following the presentations, attendees from journalism and science had the opportunity to ask questions about the projects. In the afternoon, six of the projects presented were discussed in more depth in small groups, focusing on ideas for further development, potential next steps, and associated challenges. You can find the documentation in this Miro board.
Creating New Applications from Data
Jeanne Rubner, Vice President of Global Communication and Public Engagement at TUM, reflected positively on the event: “The ‘Science meets Journalism’ workshop showed the numerous, exciting projects at the intersection of science and media. We identified the best ideas that could generate new applications and I look forward to concrete collaborations.”
The workshop also served as the kickoff event for the AI for Media Network. This community, initiated by BR, aims to exchange AI knowledge collaboratively, demonstrate AI use cases in journalism, and develop new AI solutions for the field. At BR’s headquarters the event lead to fruitful conversations between journalists and scientists. The next step is a spring hackathon, where AI application prototypes will be developed.
The second pillar of the AI for Media Network aims specifically at journalists interested in AI scenarios in the media. An in-person meetup for this audience starts in mid-June.
ⓘ If you have any questions, please contact AI for Media Network Manager Bernd Oswald at aiformedia@br.de or check out the AI for Media Homepage.
