Artificial intelligence is transforming journalism, and media professionals worldwide are adapting to new tools that enhance storytelling. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has launched the School of AI, an initiative designed to help journalists develop AI literacy and improve their skills in an evolving media landscape.
The initiative focuses on upskilling journalists in areas such as writing AI-generated prompts and editing audio stories via text rather than traditional audio editing. The program’s online platform provides access to a variety of AI resources and training materials.
EBU’s Justin Kings says AI tools are increasingly assisting journalists with research and pre-production. ChatGPT, for example, can help brainstorm ideas, refine story angles, and generate detailed prompts for reporting. Some newsrooms are experimenting with AI-generated audio to test scripts for TV documentaries before production begins. In addition, generative AI images are being used in the planning and pre-production process, allowing journalists to visualize scenes before they are shot.
AI in Video and Audio Editing
Kings shared several examples of AI use in video and audio editing. Advanced tools can analyze footage to identify the best shots, generate captions and subtitles, and translate content into multiple languages. Software like Adobe Premiere allows journalists to edit text, which then automatically adjusts the corresponding video.
Some of the key AI tools being used in journalism include:
- dxRevivePro – Noise reduction software
- Descript & 11Labs – Voice generation and cloning
- Apple Audio Editor – AI-assisted audio editing
- Udio & CapCut – AI-generated music creation
- Respeecher, Opus Clip, GoogleLM Notebook – AI-powered media tools for content creation
As AI becomes more integrated into news production, EBU’s Hélène Rauby-Matta acknowledges that ethical concerns must be addressed. She indicated that journalists must remain responsible for how AI is used, ensuring transparency, compliance with copyright laws, data privacy, and avoiding biases in AI-generated content.
While AI is a powerful tool for journalism, human oversight is essential. Ensuring that AI remains a tool at the service of editorial integrity will be key as the industry continues to evolve.
