The Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY, with support from Microsoft, has officially unveiled the 2026 cohort for its prestigious AI Journalism Lab: Leaders. Among the 23 selected news leaders is the Executive Director of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Akintunde Babatunde, marking a significant moment for African representation in the global AI discourse.
A Global Strategy for Ethical Innovation
The selected group comprises a diverse mix of journalists, strategists, executives, and entrepreneurs representing nine countries, including Nigeria, Brazil, Germany, Pakistan, and the United States. Over the course of the program, these leaders will investigate how to steer newsrooms as artificial intelligence becomes a foundational component of modern media operations.
The curriculum is designed to move beyond simple technical adoption, focusing instead on the responsible and ethical decision-making frameworks required to maintain public trust in an automated age.
Leadership in the Age of Automation
Marie Gilot, Executive Director of J+ at the Newmark J-School, emphasized that the program arrives at a critical turning point for the industry.
“The rapid integration of AI demands a new kind of leadership in journalism,” Gilot stated. “We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional, global cohort of 23 leaders who will not just adopt AI, but help define the ethical and strategic frameworks for its responsible use in newsrooms worldwide. Their work will be crucial in ensuring that innovation serves the public good.”
Program Timeline and Structure
The AI Journalism Lab is scheduled to run from January 14 to April 24, 2026. While the majority of the intensive training will be conducted virtually, the cohort will gather in New York City for an in-person kick-off event at the Newmark J-School on January 22-23.
The participants bring a wealth of expertise ranging from editorial and audience strategy to product development, ensuring that the insights gained from the Lab will have a broad impact on how news is produced and consumed globally.
To read the full biography of the 23 News Leaders chosen for the AI Journalism Lab, visit the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism.
Share this
