Study tour

We will kick off our study tour with a session with David Caswell, a leading expert in AI and journalism. He will deliver a groundbreaking exploration of how newsrooms should approach AI implementation. With artificial intelligence rapidly reshaping the media landscape, news organisations must move beyond the hype and focus on practical strategies that drive real impact. This session will cut through the noise, offering a clear framework for integrating AI into editorial workflows, content production, and audience engagement while maintaining journalistic integrity.

Caswell will also delve into the key metrics that matter—how to measure AI’s success in the newsroom, assess its value, and ensure it enhances rather than replaces human expertise. Whether you are in the early stages of AI adoption or looking to refine your approach, this session will challenge your assumptions and provide essential insights, best practices, and real-world applications to future-proof your newsroom.

After a coffee and a nice walk, we will hear from Robin Booth, managing director of EMAP, as he explores the company’s pioneering use of AI within its editorial strategy. Over the past year, Booth has led the deployment of large language models across EMAP’s platforms, driving major advancements in content personalisation, premium subscription models, and automated article creation. These initiatives have not only enhanced user engagement but also streamlined content delivery, positioning EMAP at the forefront of AI-driven journalism.

Booth will share firsthand experiences and insights from EMAP’s AI journey, including the development of AI-powered search engines designed to improve user access to information across their brands. He will also address the broader implications of AI in media, emphasising the importance of upholding copyright laws to ensure that creatives and content publishers retain exclusive control over their work in the age of AI. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing AI in editorial processes, as well as practical strategies for leveraging AI to drive innovation and growth in the media industry.

A media study tour in London wouldn’t be complete without visiting the British public broadcaster. We will delve into the organisation’s innovative applications of AI across various facets of its operations. Historically, the BBC has harnessed AI for tasks such as translation, transcription, and object recognition through computer vision.

The advent of generative AI has introduced new dimensions and challenges. The BBC is proactively addressing concerns related to data security, the potential for misinformation, and the need for robust verification processes. This session will offer insights into how the BBC is navigating these complexities, ensuring that AI integration aligns with its commitment to accuracy and public trust.

Session leader Olle Zachrison is senior news editor for AI at BBC News, leading the corporation’s AI acceleration in news. Previously, he was head of AI and news strategy at Swedish Radio, where he oversaw AI strategies, products and tools. In 2020, he co-founded the Nordic AI Journalism, a network with over 600 members from across Europe. Olle has extensive experience in senior positions within the Swedish media industry. He previously served as head of Ekot, the national news department at Swedish Radio, and as managing editor at Svenska Dagbladet, Schibsted’s leading quality newspaper.