The Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY, with support from Microsoft, is launching two new AI training programs for journalists in 2026, including one in unprecedented partnership with the network Nordic AI Journalism (NAIJ), the trailblazers in global AI journalism.
AI Journalism Lab: Builders, in partnership with Nordic AI in Journalism network and AI Journalism Lab: Leaders are the fifth and sixth iteration of the very popular AI Journalism Lab training program and will help experienced journalists to explore journalistic possibilities for generative AI and help shape the conversation around this emerging technology. Both tracks are tuition-free thanks to support from Microsoft.
“We are so excited to be working with Nordic AI Journalism, not only because of their incredible product know-how but also because Nordic newsrooms approach AI not from a position of resistance but from a place of possibility,” said Marie Gilot, Executive Director of J+, the professional development arm of the Newmark J-School.
Under the partnership, the Nordic AI Journalism leads will help design the lab’s curriculum, coach and teach some of the classes and select a number of their network members to participate in the program.
“AI gives us the opportunity to completely rethink how we develop news products from the ground up. It’s not just about smarter tools, but about creating journalism that is more relevant, useful, and valuable to the people we exist to serve,” said Sara Vardar, NAIJ co-lead.
Applications are open until Oct.10 for both tracks:
AI J Lab: Leaders
January-April 2026
Focus area: What does newsroom leadership look like in the age of AI?
Goal: Becoming a better leader and manager with the help of AI and making smarter strategic decisions around AI
Participants: Journalists in leadership roles, strategists, executives in editorial, tech and product roles
Open to international applicants? Yes
AI J Lab: Builders, in partnership with Nordic AI Journalism
January-May 2026
Focus area: Can we build better news products with AI?
Goal: Build useful, equitable news products that meet the needs of our audiences
Participants: Journalists in audience, tech and product roles, strategists, and developers in newsrooms
Open to international applicants? Yes
Both of the new labs include a mandatory in-person session in New York followed by online classes, and require the completion of a capstone project guided by coaches. Each lab can accommodate 15-25 journalists and is open to candidates in the United States and abroad. We encourage journalists from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply to this inclusive program.
Sign up for an info session webinar Wednesday, September 24 from 11-11:45 a.m. ET to hear about the program and ask any questions.
About J+: J+ is the professional training arm of the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY with 10 years of experience in delivering high-quality training to media professionals in person, virtually, and in hybrid formats. Its flagship program, the Executive Program in News Innovation and Leadership is in its sixth year and includes modules on how to apply AI to strategic and management tasks. J+ also is the creator of the AI Journalism Labs with four cohorts completed and two more in the works.
About Nordic AI Journalism (NAIJ): Nordic AI Journalism network is a cross-border industry network for collaborative exploration of artificial intelligence in journalism. The network brings together media professionals, innovators, and researchers from across the Nordic region to share knowledge, exchange case studies, and address shared strategic challenges. Its mission is to foster responsible use and development of AI in journalism, ultimately delivering more relevant and trustworthy services to audiences. Since 2023, Nordic AI Journalism network has held the annual Nordic AI in Media Summit (NAMS) in Copenhagen, a key forum for global dialogue on AI’s role in the news industry. The network is was founded in 2020 by Agnes Stenbom (Schibsted / Tinius Trust) and Olle Zachrison (BBC News), and is today led by them and Kasper Lindskow (JP/Politikens Media Group) and Sara Inkeri Vardar (JP/Politikens Media Group).