FAQ: What You Need To Know To Join the AI Accountability Network

The Pulitzer Center has opened its call for applications to the AI Accountability Network. In its third year, the Network will select a cohort of journalists to receive financial and editorial support to report on artificial intelligence.

Fellows will work on individual and collaborative reporting projects to systematically pursue in-depth stories that interrogate how AI systems are funded, built, and deployed by governments and other powerful actors.

Here are some of the things you can learn from watching the following recording: 

• Hear from Pulitzer Center editors on how the AI Accountability Fellowships are different from last year and what we are looking for this year.
• Get tips from a 2023 AI Fellow on how to make your application stand out.
• See the lessons learned from the 2023 AI Accountability Fellowships.
• Learn about different ways to cut into AI Accountability reporting.
• See the Q&A with the audience.

Ask Me Anything Webinar

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is eligible to apply? 

• Staff or freelance journalists working on a wide range of platforms, including print, radio, video, and multimedia
• Team players with the experience and/or ability to work collaboratively across newsrooms and borders
• Reporters with a deep interest in how AI impacts the world, and why this issue matters to our global well-being
• Reporters willing to participate in outreach activities related to their investigations, such as events at schools, universities, and public-facing events
• Reporters can be based anywhere. The Fellowships are remote.

What are the benefits of becoming an AI Accountability Fellow?  

• The opportunity to work on an urgent, underreported issue for a substantial period of time
• Access to mentors and specialized training opportunities
• Pro bono legal and public records access support
• A community of like-minded colleagues that will continue beyond your Fellowship
• Financial support to cover records requests, travel expenses, data analysis, and stipends
• The opportunity to find strong collaborators for your project or future projects

How much financial support will Fellows receive?

The Fellows are eligible to receive up to $20,000 divided in three payments. Please include a detailed budget explaining your reporting expenses. You may include a stipend to pay for your time if you are a freelancer. We expect newsrooms to pay for their staff members’ salaries. 

When does the Fellowship start and how long does it last? 

The Fellowship is expected to start in September 2024 and last through July 2025. 

How detailed should my project proposal be?

Your proposal should demonstrate that you have done pre-reporting on the stories you want to pursue, including hypotheses that guide the work, data sources, and methodology. We want to see that there is an ambitious, coherent, and realistic reporting plan in place.

Is experience reporting on AI issues required? 

More important than experience reporting on AI is a track record of in-depth, nuanced, and impactful reporting on issues that affect the communities you cover. Experience in investigative, data, and/or explanatory reporting is valued.

What is the Pulitzer Center's role in the editorial process?

The Pulitzer Center will coordinate and support the Network, but Fellows and their outlets will have total editorial independence to do their work. Fellows may seek guidance and advice from Pulitzer Center editors as needed.

Will Fellows have access to mentors and training opportunities? 

Yes. Fellows will have access to mentors from the Pulitzer Center network as needed, as well as training on various aspects of AI reporting by university and NGO researchers, legal and public records experts, and journalists. 

Can I apply with my team?

Yes, small teams of journalists are welcome to apply, but we will still need a lead person to be the Fellow. Please explain who is on your team and what their roles are. Team members will be welcome to join training and meetings if they wish to.

Are the collaboration and training aspects of the Fellowship mandatory?

Yes; this is why we approach this initiative as a Fellowship. In the surveys we conducted before launching the program, journalists identified community and training opportunities as important needs. Working and learning with a diverse group of journalists from around the world can illuminate unforeseen connections among stories and strengthen everyone’s projects with new perspectives. If you are pursuing a good story but cannot commit to the requirements of a Fellowship, you can try applying for a regular reporting grant.

Who funds the Network?

The AI Accountability Network is funded with the support of the Open Society Foundations (OSF), Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, and individual donors and foundations who support our work more broadly. Other funders may join during 2024-2025.

Is editorial independence guaranteed?

Totally. Without any restrictions.

How should I send my proposal? 

Proposals can be sent through this online form. Preferably they should be written in English, but we also accept submissions in Spanish.

When is the deadline to apply for the AI Accountability Fellowship? 

Applications for the 2024 AI Accountability Fellowships are now open. The deadline is August 10, 2024.

Additional questions?

Please contact Boyoung Lim at [email protected].