Download MethodKit for Journalism & AI
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75 cards to help you plan & design how to use AI in Journalism. Artificial intelligence is reshaping journalism, from how stories are discovered and produced to how newsrooms operate and engage with audiences. But navigating this shift is about much more than adopting new tools.
Whether you’re a seasoned editor or just beginning to explore AI in your work, this kit helps you reflect on every dimension of the transformation: from understanding key concepts and developments, to assessing workflows, identifying meaningful use cases, building skills, managing risks, and defining ethical boundaries.
Developed by DW Akademie and MethodKit in collaboration with 15 journalists, AI trainers, and media experts from around the world. The kit was designed to be used as a stand-alone tool or alongside other resources to guide informed innovation.
The development of the MethodKit for Journalism & AI was supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, which is why you can download the digital version for free.
Explore the big picture
These cards help you step back and look at the bigger questions around AI in your organization. From understanding the basics to defining your ethical stance, they create a foundation for meaningful conversations before diving into tools and solutions. Use them to align your team around purpose, skills, hopes, and concerns. Build a shared understanding of what AI should (and should not) do in your newsroom.
Understand your workflows
These cards focus on the core processes of journalism, from discovering stories to producing and distributing them. Use them to analyze how your newsroom currently works, where time and resources are spent, and where there may be opportunities for improvement. Visualizing your workflows helps you identify where AI can meaningfully support your work.
Design AI solutions
These cards guide you through developing and evaluating AI-driven solutions. From defining the problem to assessing costs, risks, and impact, they help you move from idea to prototype in a structured way. Work through them as a team to clarify what you want to build, who it serves, and how success will be measured.
How to use the kit
Discuss
Use the cards to give open discussions more structure. Spread them out on the table & use them as conversation starters.
Sort
Short on time or working toward a specific goal? Sort the cards into piles based on your criteria. This helps you identify what matters most.
Prioritize
Identify what matters most. Rank the cards from highest to lowest priority or select your Top 5 to focus on where you can have the greatest impact.
Cluster
Choose the cards you want to focus on & lay them out. Use post-its to write down your thoughts around each card & discuss with the others.
Create a grid
Great for finding out what is really important or what you should do next. Rank the cards from highest to lowest priority.
Create a long table
Line up the cards and use them as prompts. Add rows to explore dimensions such as current situation, ideas for improvement, open questions and next steps.
How to document
Using AI is not just about outcomes, it’s also about learning along the way. Document your discussions, decisions, and experiments as you go. This helps you track progress, reflect on what works, and share insights with others in your organization.
Capture and share your work
Record key discussions
Capture important insights while you work, through notes, audio recordings, or AI-supported transcription tools. This ensures valuable ideas don’t get lost.
Take photos of your notes
Photograph your card layouts and handwritten notes. This creates a quick and practical record that you can revisit, capture it with AI and build on later.
Visit DW Akademie
Learn more about the work DW Akademie does around Media & education, in 70 countries world-wide.
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The development of the MethodKit for Journalism & AI was supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.