This is a guest post written by Noreen Gillespie, Journalism Director, Democracy Forward, Technology for Fundamental Rights at ONA24 presenting sponsor Microsoft.
At ONA24, Microsoft is excited to present a series of interactive demos and expert-led workshops aimed at empowering journalists with AI-driven solutions. We’ll be showcasing Copilot for Microsoft 365, tools designed to revolutionize productivity, collaboration, and content creation in today’s digital-first landscape. We invite you to join us in the Microsoft Lounge in Hanover AB on LL2, on the same level as registration.
Explore Microsoft Modern Work and Copilot for Microsoft 365
In today’s fast-paced media environment, newsrooms need to be more efficient than ever. Our demos will showcase how our tools enable organizations to streamline processes, improve collaboration, speed up time-consuming tasks and spend more time on original journalism. You’ll discover how these tools can help your news organization transition smoothly into the future of work.
Copilot for Microsoft 365
Copilot for Microsoft 365 is the next generation of AI-powered productivity. From analyzing data in Excel to creating compelling presentations in PowerPoint, Copilot leverages large language models and data insights to help journalists work smarter, not harder. Imagine summarizing emails, generating reports, or designing visual narratives in minutes—Copilot makes it possible.
Nota: AI Solutions for Publishers
In addition to our demos, Microsoft is partnering with Nota, an AI-powered tool suite for content creators. Come and see Nota’s advanced algorithms assist journalists in reformatting and optimizing content across text, audio, and video. Whether you need to generate headlines, produce SEO-friendly summaries, or create attention-grabbing visuals, Nota’s tools will revolutionize how your newsroom operates—saving time while boosting content engagement.
Deepfake Awareness Training
AI’s role in journalism doesn’t stop at efficiency—it also extends to integrity. Microsoft is offering two dedicated one-hour training sessions focused on Deepfake Awareness. As deepfake technology evolves, journalists need to be equipped with the skills to identify and mitigate its effects. These sessions will provide crucial insights into how AI-generated content can be detected, and how journalists can uphold their ethical standards in an increasingly digital world. Distinguishing between real images and AI-generated deepfakes is becoming increasingly difficult. Test your skills by taking the ‘Real or Not?’ quiz. (It’s harder than you think!)
How Microsoft is working with journalists to create the newsrooms of the future with AI
Through several new partnerships, we’re helping organizations identify and refine the procedures and policies to use AI responsibly in newsgathering and business practices, helping train a new generation of reporters on best uses of AI and identify ways AI can help create efficient business practices and help build sustainable newsrooms for generations to come.
ONA AI in Journalism Initiative
Alongside the demos, visitors to the lounge will have the opportunity to learn more about the AI in Journalism Initiative, a Microsoft-supported program. This initiative equips journalists and newsrooms with the resources and knowledge to integrate AI responsibly, ensuring that technological advancements benefit both journalists and audiences. Participants can expect thought-provoking discussions on AI trends, ethics, and how to use emerging technologies to reach wider audiences while maintaining business sustainability.
AI Journalism Lab at CUNY
For journalists interested in a deeper dive into AI, Microsoft is thrilled to highlight the AI Journalism Lab developed by the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. This 3-month hybrid program empowers journalists to experiment with AI tools like Copilot, ChatGPT, Midjourney, and others, providing hands-on experience in leveraging generative AI to enhance news reporting. With expert guidance and real-world applications, this lab helps journalists navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Stop by and say “Hi!”
The Microsoft Lounge at ONA24 is open to all attendees, so stop by between sessions or whenever you have a break during the conference. Don’t miss your chance to explore the future of journalism and AI at ONA24 with Microsoft. We’ll see you there!
