Google News Initiative AI Skills Program 2.0: Journalism and AI Training 2026

Applications are now open for the Google News Initiative AI Skills Program 2.0, a training opportunity for journalists, editors, and media professionals in India. This program focuses on using AI tools to improve newsroom workflows and productivity. The deadline to apply is August 5, 2026.

Application Closing Date: August 5, 2026
Location: Delhi-NCR (AI Design Lab) for in-person workshop
Programme Duration: 6 weeks (including a two-day workshop and online sessions)
Stipend: Not specified
Minimum Qualification: Not specified (professional experience required)
Opportunity Type: Training Program

About the Google News Initiative AI Skills Program 2.0

The Google News Initiative AI Skills Program 2.0 is designed to help media professionals move beyond basic AI tool usage. The program aims to equip participants with the skills to build AI-powered newsroom applications, understand how AI can support daily workflows, and create more efficient processes. This initiative focuses on practical application and immediate adoption of AI in newsrooms.

This program will cover how AI can assist with various aspects of journalism, including story research, document analysis, content creation, and overall newsroom productivity. Participants will gain hands-on experience with Google’s AI tools, such as Gemini, AI Studio, and Notebook. The training emphasizes building AI-powered applications through “vibe coding,” with no prior coding experience required.

About Google News Initiative

The Google News Initiative (GNI) is Google’s global effort to help the news industry thrive in the digital age. GNI supports journalism through technology, training, and partnerships. They work with news organizations of all sizes to help them build sustainable business models, develop new storytelling tools, and connect with their audiences.

Available Opportunities

This program is focused on AI skills development for media professionals. While specific roles are not listed as separate opportunities, the program targets individuals working in various capacities within newsrooms.

What the Learnership Offers

Successful participants will benefit from:

• Mastery of Google’s latest AI tools for journalism.
• Learning practical AI workflows that can be used immediately.
• Building AI-powered newsroom applications.
• Improving productivity in reporting, editing, research, and production.
• Expert mentoring during the program.
• Hands-on experience with tools like Gemini, AI Studio, Notebook, Veo, Flow, Stitch, and SynthID.
• Understanding AI agents and their application in newsroom workflows.
• The opportunity to complete a capstone project using AI tools.

Programme Duration and Location

The program spans six weeks and includes a two-day in-person workshop held in Delhi-NCR at the AI Design Lab. Participants will also engage in five online sessions, each lasting one hour per week, for expert-led mentoring and project work.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the Google News Initiative AI Skills Program 2.0, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be actively working with a newsroom in India.
• Have at least 10 years of professional experience in a newsroom or media organization registered in India.
• Be keen to champion AI adoption within their organization.
• Work for an eligible news organization that has an operational news website or YouTube channel, producing original news content for at least 24 months.
• The organization should publish content on general news, sports, health, finance, or entertainment.
• Eligible organizations include for-profit and non-profit news organizations across print, digital, television, and radio.
• Be able to dedicate 4 hours per week to the program for training sessions and project work.
• Be able to attend the two-day in-person workshop in Delhi-NCR and all online sessions.
• Prior experience using AI tools is desirable but not mandatory.
• Prior experience in data journalism is a plus.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as competencies, the program implies the need for:

• A willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies.
• An interest in integrating AI into editorial workflows.
• The ability to commit to the full program duration and requirements.
• A desire to champion AI adoption within their news organization.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for journalists, editors, newsroom leaders, social media teams, visual journalists, and digital publishers in India who are actively working in a newsroom. It is suited for professionals with significant experience who are interested in advancing their skills by integrating AI into their daily operations and building AI-powered solutions for their organizations.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following common application documents:

• Updated CV
• Certified copy of South African ID (if applicable, though this program is India-focused)
• Certified copy of Matric certificate (if applicable)
• Copies of relevant qualifications
• Academic record
• Cover letter
• Proof of residence (if applicable)
• Any document specifically requested on the application portal.

For this program, applicants should be ready to provide details about their news organization and their role within it.

How to Apply

There are only 50 seats available for this program, and participants will be selected on a rolling basis.

Click here to apply for the Google News Initiative AI Skills Program 2.0

Important Notes

• Only 50 seats are available, so early application is recommended.
• Selection is on a rolling basis.
• Applicants must be able to commit to the full program, including the in-person workshop and weekly online sessions.
• Ensure all information provided in the application is accurate.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is August 5, 2026.

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