ProPublica Taps AI Experts to Revolutionize Investigative Reporting

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, who was most recently a news innovation engineer at the Minnesota Star Tribune, participated in the Lenfest program on her previous employer's behalf. Brezel brings experience as a software engineer and data scientist to his new role. The Lenfest AI program selected ProPublica among 10 regional and national news organizations for the fellowships. The funding for these positions comes from both the Lenfest Institute and the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation. Background on the Lenfest Institutes AI Collaborative and Fellowship program is essential in understanding this development. Launched to explore how artificial intelligence can responsibly contribute to mission-driven newsrooms, the program brings together a diverse group of news organizations to tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by AI technologies. The use of AI in journalism has sparked debate about its potential impact on society. Some argue that AI can enhance investigative reporting by analyzing vast amounts of data, while others raise concerns about bias, accuracy, and job displacement. ProPublica's selection as part of this program reflects the organization's commitment to exploring the possibilities and limitations of AI in journalism. By partnering with experts like Chiueh and Brezel, ProPublica aims to develop responsible AI practices that prioritize transparency, accountability, and human oversight. As the field continues to evolve, it will be crucial for news organizations to navigate the complexities of AI and its implications for society. With Chiueh and Brezel on board, ProPublica is well-positioned to lead this conversation and push the boundaries of what is possible in investigative reporting. The fellowships are a significant step forward in harnessing the potential of AI for public interest journalism. As Werdmuller noted, "We're excited to see how Dana and Aaron's work will contribute to our mission-driven reporting." *Reporting by Propublica.*