The University of Maryland is stepping up to the plate with its innovative new webinar series titled
"The Business of Journalism in the Age of AI". Set to launch on
March 27, 2026, this initiative comes in response to the pressing need for the news industry to evolve in an age where AI technology is transforming every facet of our lives.
This monthly series, co-hosted by the Philip Merrill College of Journalism and the Robert H. Smith School of Business, aims to tackle the myriad challenges facing journalism today, from dwindling resources in newsrooms to the pressing demand for a more sustainable business model. Each session will take place on
Fridays from noon to 1 p.m. and will be entirely free of charge, encouraging journalists, academics, and media professionals to participate in what promises to be stimulating discussions about the future of their field.
The webinar series features an impressive lineup of experts from both the Merrill College and the Smith School, alongside industry leaders. By examining the intersection of journalism and artificial intelligence, participants will gain valuable insights into how the industry can adapt and thrive.
As Merrill College Dean, Rafael Lorente, emphasizes, their approach is not to shy away from AI, but to embrace it and leverage its capabilities to enhance the integrity and sustainability of journalism.
Topics throughout the series will cover a range of issues vital to news professionals today. From the
economics of news to the
ethics of AI in journalism, each session will provide newsroom leaders with actionable strategies to engage new audiences and use AI to bolster newsgathering processes. Moreover, professionals from organizations like the Poynter Institute and the American Press Institute will share their wealth of knowledge on innovative business practices.
One of the key goals of this initiative is to foster dialogue surrounding local journalism's importance as the landscape shifts under the influence of technology. JPMorganChase, a generous supporter of this project, highlights the critical need for sustaining local journalism to ensure communities remain informed about issues that matter to their everyday lives.
Andrew Gray, head of U.S. regional communications for JPMorganChase, underlines that supporting local newsrooms is essential for driving local economies and keeping communities connected.
The full schedule includes webinars that dive into critical subjects such as:
- - The economics of news in 2026 (March 27)
- - Improving the visibility of local news and building subscription success (April 17)
- - AI-powered personalization and its risks (May 8)
- - Using AI to improve newsgathering (June 5)
- - Innovative audience engagement with AI (August 14)
- - And much more leading up to a session on The ethics of AI in journalism slated for December 4.
This proactive approach to addressing contemporary issues in journalism is a beacon of hope for media professionals who are navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing landscape. By participating in this webinar series, attendees not only enrich their knowledge base but also equip themselves with the tools necessary to innovate and evolve in their practice, ensuring that journalism remains a cornerstone of informed society in the digital age. For those eager to register, further details can be found at
go.umd.edu/BizOfJournalism. With the pressing challenges that lie ahead, this series promises to be an invaluable resource for anyone invested in the future of journalism, paving the way for a more resilient and responsive media landscape.