OpenAI, the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) and the Association of Independent Regional Press Publishers of Ukraine (AIRPPU) have launched an artificial intelligence programme aimed at helping independent Ukrainian news organisations adopt AI across editorial, commercial and operational workflows.
Announced on September 7, the initiative combines AI training with hands-on implementation support for publishers operating amid the continuing disruption caused by the war in Ukraine. The programme has been developed by AIRPPU in partnership with WAN-IFRA and OpenAI.
The initiative is divided into two areas. Newsroom AI will support participating organisations in developing and implementing AI-driven editorial projects, while Business Transformation will focus on the use of AI across commercial and operational functions.
The first component, the Newsroom AI Masterclass Series, began on August 5. It brings together international experts and practitioners to share case studies and implementation strategies with participating publishers. The programme covers areas including editorial workflows, audience engagement, product development, revenue generation, organisational change and responsible AI adoption.
A second component, the Newsroom AI Catalyst, is scheduled to begin on September 17. Ten Ukrainian news organisations selected by AIRPPU will receive more intensive support to identify potential AI use cases, develop implementation roadmaps and pilot solutions designed around their newsroom and business requirements.
Participating organisations will also receive OpenAI API credits, allowing them to experiment with and develop customised AI applications. The initiative does not prescribe a single AI product or newsroom workflow, with participating publishers expected to identify use cases based on their individual requirements.
AIRPPU CEO Oksana Brovko said Ukrainian independent media continues to face challenges from the war, economic pressures and disruption to everyday operations. She said the programme is intended to help publishers improve efficiency and give journalists more time to focus on journalism.
WAN-IFRA has been involved in supporting Ukrainian media since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. The organisation has also worked with OpenAI since 2024 on programmes aimed at enabling publishers internationally to test and develop applications of artificial intelligence in news operations.
OpenAI Chief of Intellectual Property and Content Tom Rubin said the initiative is intended to help Ukrainian publishers access practical knowledge and technology while supporting the sustainability of independent journalism.
The programme extends the growing use of AI within news organisations beyond content generation. Publishers are increasingly exploring the technology for audience development, internal workflows, product development and business operations, while questions around accuracy, copyright, transparency and responsible deployment remain part of the industry's adoption process.
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