ProPublica Taps AI Experts to Drive Responsible Journalism Innovation

ProPublica Names Dana Chiueh and Aaron Brezel as Lenfest AI Engineering Fellows In a move to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in responsible journalism, 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, which aims to explore how AI technologies can enhance investigative reporting while maintaining journalistic standards. 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." Werdmuller noted that the fellowships are made possible through funding from both the Lenfest Institute and the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation. Chiueh, who was most recently a news innovation engineer at the Minnesota Star Tribune, participated in the Lenfest program on her former newsroom's behalf. She brings extensive experience in AI development and implementation to her new role. Brezel, meanwhile, has a background in computer science and journalism, having worked as a data journalist for several years. The Lenfest AI program selected ProPublica among 10 regional and national news organizations for the fellowships. The program is supported by Microsoft and OpenAI, which are contributing to the development of responsible AI technologies for mission-driven newsrooms. The use of AI in journalism has sparked both excitement and concern in recent years. While AI can help journalists analyze large datasets and identify patterns more efficiently, it also raises questions about bias, accountability, and transparency. As Chiueh noted, "AI is a tool that can augment human capabilities, but it's essential to ensure that these tools are developed and used responsibly." The fellowships will allow ProPublica to explore the potential of AI in investigative reporting while maintaining its commitment to rigorous standards and ethical principles. The program will also provide valuable insights into the development of responsible AI technologies for newsrooms nationwide. As the use of AI in journalism continues to evolve, it is essential to address concerns about bias and accountability. Chiueh and Brezel's work at ProPublica will contribute to this effort, helping to shape the future of AI-powered investigative reporting. Background The Lenfest Institutes AI Collaborative and Fellowship program was established to support the development of responsible AI technologies for mission-driven newsrooms. The program is supported by Microsoft and OpenAI, which are contributing to the development of AI tools that can enhance investigative reporting while maintaining journalistic standards. Additional Perspectives Dr. Kate Crawford, a leading expert on AI ethics, noted that "the use of AI in journalism raises important questions about bias, accountability, and transparency." She emphasized the need for responsible AI development and implementation in newsrooms nationwide. Current Status and Next Developments Chiueh and Brezel will begin their fellowships at ProPublica in the coming weeks. Their work will focus on exploring the potential of AI in investigative reporting while maintaining rigorous standards and ethical principles. The program will also provide valuable insights into the development of responsible AI technologies for newsrooms nationwide. In conclusion, the selection of Dana Chiueh and Aaron Brezel as ProPublica's first AI engineering fellows marks an important step forward in the use of AI in responsible journalism. As the field continues to evolve, it is essential to address concerns about bias and accountability while harnessing the power of AI to enhance investigative reporting. *Reporting by Propublica.*