NCTJ to lead government-backed responsible AI project for local journalism

Local newsrooms will gain access to new AI standards, training and practical resources under a NCTJ-led project supported by the government’s Local News Fund.

The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) has secured £191,880 in funding through the infrastructure strand of the Local News Fund to lead a sector-wide project supporting the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence in local journalism.

The project, Responsible AI for Trusted Local Journalism, will develop a responsible AI standards framework, model newsroom policies, implementation toolkits, online learning and practical case studies to help publishers use AI effectively while protecting accuracy, transparency and editorial judgement.

Resources will be freely available through the NCTJ’s Journalism Skills Academy and shared across its network of accredited course providers.

The project builds on the NCTJ’s wider work on AI, including research into newsroom adoption, its industry AI taskforce and the integration of AI literacy and practical skills into journalism training and qualifications.

As AI becomes an increasing part of newsroom workflows, the project will develop shared approaches to issues including transparency, verification, editorial oversight and accountability. It will also support editors and newsroom leaders in managing the changes AI brings to working practices.

Joanne Forbes, chief executive of the NCTJ, said: “Local journalism matters enormously. It holds power to account and tells stories that would otherwise go untold. AI could make a real difference to newsrooms already struggling with limited resources, but we must protect the quality and trust that good journalism depends on.

“We’re grateful to DCMS and the Local News Fund steering board for backing this project. It will bring publishers and journalists together to develop practical guidance and training to help newsrooms make the most of AI, from the biggest to the smallest.”

Media Minister Ian Murray said: “For decades our local media has remained among the most trusted sources of news. But as the media landscape has become more complex, many outlets have been forced to reduce their numbers or even close. I am determined not to leave local journalism to collapse. This government knows it is critical to communities and fosters a self-confident nation that everyone feels part of.

“Through the Local News Fund we are taking action to help newsrooms innovate and adapt their business models for the online world, while incentivising and encouraging the production of high-quality, trustworthy news that Britain’s towns and villages deserve and rely on.”

The project will particularly benefit smaller news organisations, which may have less capacity to develop AI policies and expertise independently. It will help them adopt emerging technologies responsibly and identify opportunities to create greater capacity for original reporting and serving local communities.

The Local News Fund forms part of the government’s Local Media Action Plan, which aims to support trusted local journalism, encourage innovation and strengthen the long-term sustainability of local media. Its infrastructure funding is intended for organisations developing tools and initiatives from which the wider industry can benefit.

To find out more about the project, contact Laura Michael, the NCTJ’s head of professional development, or sign up for updates here.