ProPublica Joins Lenfest Institute AI Collaborative and Fellowship Program

ProPublica has recently announced its participation in a collaborative initiative aimed at exploring the responsible use of artificial intelligence in investigative journalism. Through this program, ProPublica will bring on board an engineer for a two-year fellowship, thanks to support from the Lenfest Institute for Journalism. The initiative also involves four other news organizations: The Boston Globe, The Dallas Morning News, The Baltimore Banner, and Arizona State University’s NEWSWELL.
At ProPublica, the engineer will delve into how machine learning can enhance the work of its engagement reporting group, known for spearheading ambitious, community-driven investigations. By leveraging large language models, the team aims to streamline the process of evaluating and categorizing incoming tips, ensuring they are promptly directed to the right journalists.
Ben Werdmuller, ProPublica’s senior director of technology, expressed optimism about the potential of these technologies to assist journalists and readers in uncovering crucial information. The program emphasizes collaboration among participating news outlets to share insights, innovations, and technical knowledge for wider industry adoption.
The main objective of the Lenfest AI Collaborative and Fellowship is to empower local news publishers to integrate AI technologies into their operations for long-term viability. Launched in October 2024 with financial backing from OpenAI and Microsoft, the program aims to support sustainable solutions for local journalism through ethical application of AI.
Jim Friedlich, Executive Director and CEO of the Lenfest Institute, highlighted the importance of partnerships with OpenAI and Microsoft in expanding the AI Collaborative and Fellowship program. He commended the participating publishers for their leadership in the field and their commitment to advancing ethical AI practices for the benefit of the broader news industry.
ProPublica, an independent nonprofit newsroom recognized for its impactful investigative journalism, has a team of over 150 journalists dedicated to producing stories that drive positive change. Since its inception in 2008, ProPublica has been honored with numerous awards, including eight Pulitzer Prizes, highlighting its significant contributions to journalism.
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism focuses on fostering sustainable business models at the local journalism-community nexus, both in Philadelphia and nationwide.