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National Journalism and AI Accelerator

National Journalism And AI Accelerator (1)

Immerse yourself in AI advances at Arizona State University, the most-innovative university in the U.S.

JAN. 6-8, 2026 | phoenix, arizona

As we navigate advances in artificial intelligence, understanding how AI can enhance, propel and disrupt news and information is critical.

Join more than 100 journalists, technologists and AI/media leaders from across the country to envision future scenarios and opportunities, collaborate with top ASU AI innovators in other disciplines and share best practices.

Hosted by the Knight Center for the Future of News at Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and NEWSWELL, this invite-only national gathering of journalists and AI leaders will explore how artificial intelligence will redefine the ways we create, distribute, support and sustain trusted news and information. We will share projects currently in progress and find ways to collaborate to accelerate our efforts.

We will learn from what’s being done and plan for what’s next.

To support innovation in the field, there is no registration fee — and most meals are provided. Participation is by application only and intentionally limited to foster exchange, learning and collaboration.

Those accepted will be responsible for their airfare and lodging. 

The deadline to nominate yourself or somebody else is by 9 a.m. PST on Nov. 10.

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ShAPING THE FUTURE OF JOURNALISM

First AI Graduate Business Degree In The U.S.
For the 11th straight year, ASU was recognized as No. 1 in innovation by U.S. News and World Report.

What will you learn?

Attendees will hear from industry powerhouses, including Maribel Pérez Wadsworth, president and CEO of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and conference planning partners including News Revenue Hub, American Journalism Project, Lenfest Institute for Journalism, Hack/Hackers and the News Product Alliance. Participants will share actionable ideas in fast-paced Ignite-style presentations and collaborate on mapping out next steps for accelerating change. The program also will include breakout sessions to explore the following:

Culture and strategic integration
The future of news consumption and revenue
News and AI foundations. What you need to know right now

At a glance

Conference agenda

Day 1: Tuesday, Jan. 6

The future is here.

On day one, we set the stage and hear from futurists about what the next years will bring us in terms of AI. Keynotes explore thriving in a rapidly changing world and leading through transformation, with the day concluding with ASU’s Decision Theater and a reception at the Thunderbird School of Global Management.

More info

Day 2: WEDNESDAY, Jan. 7

Thriving in the future.

Start your day with mural walks and courtyard yoga in downtown Phoenix, followed by breakfast and networking. The day continues with a keynote panel on the future of AI in news, interactive future-focused scenario planning, lunch table talks with leading AI experts, hands-on workshops, and concludes with field trips showcasing AI in action at ASU Tempe’s campus.

More info

Day 3: Thursday, Jan.8

Creating what’s next

The morning begins with rapid-fire Ignite sessions showcasing innovative AI applications, followed by an open pitch session for collaborative projects. The day wraps up with a closing conversation on next steps and a networking lunch. Conference rooms will be made available all afternoon for cohorts or brainstorming groups (perhaps some new ones that formed here) that want to continue to meet and plan together. 

More info

FAQs

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250201 ASU Open Door Downtown Phoenix Campus
WHY ASU?​

For the 11th straight year, ASU was recognized as #1 in innovation among all universities and colleges in the U.S. News and World Report. AI is no exception. The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, consistently ranks number one in various journalism and communication categories. After receiving a $10.5 million dollar grant from the Knight Foundation, the Cronkite School established the Knight Center for the Future of News. NEWSWELL, a nonprofit based at ASU, is at the forefront of transformation of local news. Recognizing the need to make journalism sustainable and democracy thriving, NEWSWELL provides back-end operations and strategies to help news sites.

Have you been to Phoenix in January? Let us tell you, it’s beautiful here! The average high temperature is 68 degrees, with a very small chance of rain. However, it can get cold in the desert. Average lows are around 45 degrees, so make sure you bring your jacket.

Phoenix is the fifth-largest metropolitan city in the country, and there is no shortage of cultural destinations, great dining and entertainment. A word of caution/excitement, it is football bowl season in January, and the Fiesta Bowl will be here in the same week as the Accelerator, so expect lots of other travelers. 

We are looking for change-makers, thought leaders and decision-makers. For this event,  we want people from all parts of the U.S. and all kinds of news and media information organizations. We’re looking for a mix of people who are hands-on working on using AI to help make our work easier, faster and better as well as those finding ways to attract and grow audiences and revenue. We also want leaders who are thinking about how to adjust culture and strategy to the opportunities of AI.

If accepted into the Accelerator, registration is free. Most meals will be provided. You are responsible for flights, lodging and a few meals. We have a block of rooms reserved at a discounted price at the Phoenix Hilton Garden Inn and the Best Western in downtown Phoenix near campus. Once accepted, you are free to stay where you wish, but please keep in mind this is a busy time in Phoenix. 

Phoenix Hilton Garden Inn ($209/night)

Best Western Downtown Phoenix ($209-$219/night)

Not necessarily. The main event will be held at the Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University’s downtown Phoenix campus, which is easily accessible from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport via light rail, rideshare (including Waymo), or taxi, with typical costs ranging from $2 (light rail) to $25 (rideshare). Downtown Phoenix offers a variety of transportation options including buses, pedicabs, electronic scooters and walkable access to restaurants and entertainment. The conference also will provide transportation to and from the ASU Tempe campus for optional field trips.

Programming will begin at 1 p.m. on Jan. 6 and conclude by noon on Jan. 8. A full agenda will be released in November, but attendees who wish to stay for follow-up conversations can enjoy optional discussion sessions and box lunches after the official close.

Yes. Most conference activities will take place on or near the ASU downtown Phoenix campus, which is designed with accessibility in mind, including ADA-compliant facilities and transportation options. The conference will also provide accessible transportation to and from the ASU Tempe campus for optional field trips, and downtown Phoenix offers walkable access to restaurants and entertainment, along with multiple transit options that support mobility needs.

Don't think of AI as the Terminator bots that are going to come in and kill everyone. Think of it as this unbelievably intelligent tutor.

– Michael Crow, President of Arizona State University

TALK TO US DIRECTLY

If you have any questions, please email KnightCenter@asu.edu.

Thank you to our sponsors

A special thank you to the Knight Foundation for their generous support. 
Other partners include: News Revenue Hub, American Journalism Project, FT Strategies, Hack/Hackers, Lenfest Institute for Journalism, Pew Research Center and News Product Alliance.

Platinum Sponsor

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OTHER PARTNERS

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Interested in becoming a sponsor?

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NEWSWELL and the Knight Center for the Future of News

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NEWSWELL is a nonprofit organization that is part of Arizona State University Media Enterprise, a collection of broadcast, digital, podcast and other media entities reimagining the future of news. We have three key goals:

Grow: NEWSWELL offers comprehensive wraparound services, business planning and professional training to our local newsrooms, helping them build sustainable business models that focus on and serve their communities. Local journalists report the news. NEWSWELL offers the support.

Innovate: But we don’t just want to sustain local news, we want to transform it. We’ll work with researchers, faculty and students across America’s most innovative university to solve journalism’s biggest problems.

Educate: We partner with the renowned Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at ASU to provide learning opportunities for students as well as professional development and a talent pipeline for our newsrooms.

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Journalism is at an inflection point. Artificial intelligence is a present force, reshaping every aspect of society. Trust is at a historic low. Threats to funding and independence are increasing. The time to respond is now. If we hesitate, we risk irrelevance. If we act with courage and clarity, we will make a difference.

The Knight Center for the Future of News at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication exists to do just that. With the support of a visionary $10.5 million investment from Knight Foundation and driven by ASU’s innovation ethos, we are boldly accelerating journalism’s transformation. 

The Knight Center for the Future of News is anchored by three dynamic labs and an information hub that connects thought leaders, gathers insights and disseminates innovation. It will also provide training, support, tools and actionable intelligence to help others adapt and lead.

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