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 potential 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, a nationwide effort supported by Microsoft and OpenAI. According to Ben Werdmuller, ProPublicas senior director of technology, "Were 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 behalf of her newsroom. Brezel's background in journalism and technical expertise will enable him to navigate the complexities of AI and its applications in investigative reporting. The Lenfest AI program selected ProPublica among 10 regional and national news organizations for the fellowships. The two-year program is made possible through funding from both the Lenfest Institute and the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation. Background on the Lenfest Institutes AI Collaborative and Fellowship program highlights its focus on exploring how AI technologies can responsibly contribute to mission-driven newsrooms. This nationwide effort aims to address concerns surrounding AI's potential impact on journalism, including bias, transparency, and accountability. The selection of Chiueh and Brezel as ProPublica's first AI engineering fellows marks a significant step forward in the organization's commitment to responsible AI adoption. As experts in both technical and journalistic fields, they will play a crucial role in shaping the future of AI-assisted investigative reporting. In related developments, Microsoft and OpenAI have been actively engaged with news organizations through their support for the Lenfest Institutes program. Their involvement underscores the growing recognition of AI's potential to enhance journalism while also highlighting the need for responsible AI adoption practices. As ProPublica embarks on this new initiative, it joins a growing list of news organizations exploring AI's role in investigative reporting. The success of this collaboration will depend on the ability of journalists and technologists to work together effectively, ensuring that AI technologies are used responsibly and with transparency. With Chiueh and Brezel at the helm, ProPublica is poised to lead the way in responsible AI adoption in journalism. As Werdmuller noted, "We're excited to see how Dana and Aaron will contribute to our efforts to harness the potential of AI while maintaining the highest standards of journalistic integrity." *Reporting by Propublica.*