NCTJ and University of Sheffield explore AI and the future of journalism training at symposium
Journalists, editors, educators and industry specialists came together at the University of Sheffield today for a symposium examining how artificial intelligence is reshaping journalism and what this means for the training of future reporters.
Hosted by the University of Sheffield and the NCTJ, the event examined how AI tools are already being used in newsrooms, the ethical and editorial questions they raise, and the implications for journalism qualifications, assessment and professional standards.
Discussions drew on the NCTJ’s ongoing research into AI in newsrooms and considered how journalism training can continue to evolve alongside developments in newsroom technology.
Karyn Fleeting, delivery director at Reach plc, argued that the growth of AI would increase the importance of core journalism skills rather than diminish them.
She said: “Traditional journalism skills are going to take on a new relevance. AI can’t do distinctive writing, interviewing, on-screen charisma, knocking on doors, cultural understanding – or shorthand.”
Karyn also stressed the importance of governance and accountability, warning that while journalists can be taught to use AI tools, organisations must ensure those tools are approved and used responsibly. Referring to the EU AI Act, she said “ignore at your peril”.
NCTJ research presented during the symposium highlighted how AI is already being used across newsroom workflows, including transcription, data analysis, headline suggestions, subtitling, SEO and social media distribution. While speakers identified significant benefits, including increased productivity and the removal of repetitive tasks, they also emphasised the continued importance of verification, transparency and human oversight.
Discussions returned to the importance of editorial judgement and accountability. Speakers argued that while journalists can learn to use new AI tools, responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of published content remains with the journalist.
One panel discussion focused on the ethics and issues surrounding the use of AI in newsrooms, including transparency, verification, bias, and the wider implications for public trust in journalism. The session was chaired by Joanna Webster, Reuters’ global editor for agency news strategy, and featured speakers from Full Fact, Newsquest and Sky News.
Mark Frankel, head of public affairs at Full Fact, said: “The human should be at the centre and the AI is something involved in the process.
“We’ve got to get past this debate about jobs and efficiencies and into a more interesting space about how we can innovate, experiment and investigate.”
An educators’ panel explored practical approaches to teaching AI on journalism courses, including how students can engage critically with emerging tools while maintaining originality, editorial judgement and rigorous reporting standards.
Lindsay Pantry, university teacher at the University of Sheffield, said: “It’s really important that we have AI teaching in every element of our programmes, not as a separate thing.”
Caroline Jones of Purpose Media said: “Just because a student knows how to use social media doesn’t mean they know how to use it journalistically. The same applies to AI.
“AI is here to stay and increasingly it’s going to be used more and more. It’s how you use it well.”
The symposium forms part of the NCTJ’s wider programme of work examining the impact of artificial intelligence on journalism and journalism education. Alongside its research, the NCTJ has established an industry taskforce, bringing together representatives from organisations including Reach plc, Reuters, Full Fact, Sky News, Sky Sports News, Newsquest, the Financial Times, BBC News, The i Paper, Bauer Media and Iconic Media
The taskforce is helping to inform the NCTJ’s ongoing work on accreditation, qualifications, assessments and professional development, ensuring journalism training continues to evolve alongside developments in newsroom technology while upholding the professional standards that underpin public trust in journalism.
Joanne Forbes, chief executive of the NCTJ, said: “Artificial intelligence is already embedded in many newsrooms, shaping workflows, supporting research and changing the way journalists work.
“For journalism educators and training organisations, that raises important questions about the skills journalists now need, how we assess students’ work, and how we ensure standards, originality and public trust are maintained.
“AI may change the tools, but it must not dilute the principles of accuracy, fairness, accountability and public trust that remain at the heart of what we all do.”
The NCTJ will publish the executive summary of its research into AI in newsrooms following the symposium. Insights from the event and recommendations from the AI taskforce will help shape the organisation’s future work on journalism training, assessment and accreditation.
