The training aimed to offer journalists and editors concrete guidance for the responsible use of generative and other AI tools in editorial work, to highlight the need for content verification, which will contribute to maintaining public trust.
During the three working days, the participants together with Aleksandar Manasiev, who was the lecturer, worked in an interactive atmosphere filled with practical exercises, analysis of real cases and open discussions.
Particular emphasis was placed on the ethical and legal dilemmas related to generative AI, the methods for verifying visual content and recognizing deepfake materials, as well as on the development of internal editorial manuals for the transparent use of AI. Additionally, strategies for protection from coordinated digital attacks prompted by AI and mechanisms for legal and technical support to journalists were examined.
Experiences and concrete technical approaches for the verification of synthetic content were also shared, and editorial criteria for making decisions on when certain content should be published immediately and when additional verification is necessary were discussed. The participants received guidance on which free tools and materials they can use in the future, which they can directly integrate into their editorial processes.
Daniel Braun, Official Representative of KAS, pointed out that investing in knowledge and practical skills for journalists represents an investment in quality and responsible media and is key to protecting the public interest in the digital era.
The President of AJM, Mladen Chadikovski, emphasized that every journalist must keep pace with technological changes, with a focus on maintaining journalistic ethical standards, or more specifically that practical solutions and clear editorial procedures are necessary for preserving professionalism in a time of rapid technological changes.
Katerina Jakimovska, Senior Project Officer at the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies from Brussels, emphasized that supporting such initiatives is part of the broader European commitment to strengthening media resilience and aligning with best practices, whereby trust is built through transparent processes and clear standards.
The event was open to journalists, editors and media experts interested in improving their skills for working with AI and in establishing standards that will protect professional journalistic practices.
