OpenAI and Microsoft Back $10 Million AI Collaborative and Fellowship Program for Local Journalism

OpenAI and its minority owner Microsoft have announced a $10 million AI collaborative and fellowship program in partnership with the Lenfest Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting local journalism. This initiative aims to foster innovation at the intersection of AI and journalism by equipping scholars and journalists with AI-driven tools to enhance reporting, research, and the sustainability of local news.

The fellowship program will enable journalists to explore how AI can help tackle challenges in the news industry, such as automated content generation, fact-checking, and resource optimization. By investing in these AI advancements, OpenAI and Microsoft seek to strengthen the future of local journalism in an era where digital tools are increasingly essential for news organizations.

This collaboration underscores the potential for AI to support and uplift local journalism, while also addressing the ethical considerations and technological innovations that are critical to the future of news.