ProPublica Taps AI Experts to Boost Investigative Reporting Capabilities

ProPublica Names Dana Chiueh and Aaron Brezel as Lenfest AI Engineering Fellows In a move to harness the power of artificial intelligence for investigative reporting, ProPublica has selected Dana Chiueh and Aaron Brezel as its first AI engineering fellows. The two-year fellowships are part of the Lenfest Institutes AI Collaborative and Fellowship program, a nationwide effort supported by Microsoft and OpenAI. According to Ben Werdmuller, ProPublicas senior director of technology, "We're thrilled to welcome Dana and Aaron as our first AI engineering fellows. Their unique combination of technical expertise and journalism experience positions them perfectly to help us explore how AI can safely enhance investigative reporting while maintaining the rigorous standards, ethical principles, and human expertise that define ProPublicas work." Chiueh, a news innovation engineer at the Minnesota Star Tribune, was part of the Lenfest program on behalf of her newsroom. Brezel's background in data science and journalism will bring a valuable perspective to the team. The Lenfest AI program selected ProPublica among 10 regional and national news organizations for the fellowships. The program is funded by both the Lenfest Institute and the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation. ProPublicas participation in the Lenfest AI Collaborative and Fellowship program marks an important step towards integrating AI technologies into mission-driven newsrooms. As AI continues to transform industries, its potential applications in journalism are vast but also raise concerns about bias, accuracy, and transparency. The use of AI in investigative reporting can help identify patterns and connections that may have gone unnoticed by human journalists. However, it also requires careful consideration of the data used, algorithms employed, and potential biases introduced. ProPublicas decision to invest in AI engineering fellows reflects a growing recognition within the industry that AI technologies hold significant promise for enhancing journalism, but only if implemented responsibly. The fellowships will enable Chiueh and Brezel to work closely with ProPublica's editorial team to develop and implement AI-powered tools that support investigative reporting. Their work will focus on ensuring that these tools are transparent, accountable, and aligned with the highest standards of journalism. As the industry continues to grapple with the implications of AI on newsrooms, ProPublicas initiative serves as a model for responsible innovation in journalism. By investing in AI engineering fellows, ProPublica is poised to lead the way in harnessing the potential of AI while maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness that define quality journalism. The Lenfest AI program will provide ongoing support and guidance throughout the two-year fellowships, with regular check-ins and evaluations to ensure that the projects meet their goals and objectives. *Reporting by Propublica.*