Google, IIMC Launch AI Skills Academy to Train Indian Journalists

• Google partners with IIMC to launch AI Skills Academy in India.
• 10-week hybrid training to equip journalists with AI tools and skills.
• The program aims to empower both media professionals and students nationwide.

Google announced the introduction of the Google News Initiative (GNI) AI Skills Academy in India, in partnership with the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), representing a major advancement in equipping Indian newsrooms and media educators to adapt to the fast-changing environment of artificial intelligence in journalism.

The program, launched in New Delhi, seeks to provide media professionals with vital AI insights and hands-on resources to assist them in successfully operating within an AI-focused media landscape. The initiative, created in collaboration with IIMC’s New Media Department and with training assistance from How India Lives, will be conducted as a 10-week hybrid training program.

“Continuing our commitment to collaborate with news organisations across India and bring them Google’s best-in-class technology, we're excited to announce the launch of the Google News Initiative AI Skills Academy in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Mass Communication,” Google said in a statement.

The extensive training will offer essential AI knowledge along with practical abilities to implement AI in newsroom functions. Participants will gain skills in using Google’s AI-driven tools like NotebookLM, Gemini, AI Studio, and Pinpoint. These instruments are crafted to optimize workflows, improve productivity, and liberate time for thorough research and imaginative storytelling.

The program consists of weekly in-depth sessions, hands-on activities, focused mentoring, and troubleshooting modules. The program is designed to assist participants in utilizing AI for various newsroom tasks, including content creation and data analysis.

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Google has affirmed its backing for IIMC in expanding this initiative to media educators and students at its six campuses throughout India. In this way, the partnership seeks to nurture a new cohort of journalists and media experts who are proficient in AI.

Nimish Rustagi, Registrar of IIMC, welcomed the initiative, stating, “As AI transforms journalism, this initiative will help professionals and students stay ahead. We intend to promote responsible innovation and enhance creativity in storytelling. IIMC is happy to be part of this initiative that will also help train students across our six campuses.”

The GNI AI Skills Academy signifies a proactive initiative to encourage responsible AI adoption in journalism, enhance innovation, and bolster the future of media education and practices in India.