CNN Academy Summer Institute

Week 1 - Story Telling in the Age of AI

Online self-paced courses and live, virtual workshops

Week 2: In-person simulation in Dublin, Ireland

Open to Students & Journalists/Media practitioners - contact Catherine. Carey@ucd.ie for advice

For Students to apply for week one only -Apply here

For week one and two - Apply here

For Journalists/Media practitioners -Apply here

Programme Dates

29th June - 12th July 2026  | University College Dublin, Ireland

How is artificial intelligence changing journalism

Storytelling in the Age of AI is an immersive, in-person training programme led by CNN journalists and industry experts, designed for students, early-career reporters, and working media professionals who want to understand how journalism is evolving — and how to stay relevant as it does.

Across one or two intensive weeks, participants will explore how emerging technologies are reshaping reporting, verification, production and editorial decision-making — then put those lessons into practice through hands-on workshops and a realistic newsroom simulation.

This is not about automation replacing journalists. It is about how journalists work, adapt and lead in an AI-shaped media landscape.

Choice of programmes

The Summer Institute consists of two connected programmes. Participants may choose to take week 1 on its own (programme 1), or combine both weeks (programme 2) for a deeper experience.

WEEK 1: Storytelling in the age of AI 

June 29th – July 3rd (inclusive), 2026

Online self-paced courses and live, virtual workshops

Week 1 focuses on the core skills and editorial thinking required in modern journalism.

It is designed for:

• Journalism and media students, or students with a strong interest in journalism. (Minimum of 1-year’s university study)

• Early‑career reporters building confidence across platforms

• Working journalists and media professionals looking to update skills and understand how AI is reshaping newsroom practice

Through virtual workshops, masterclasses and practical exercises, participants will:

• Learn how to craft compelling stories for digital and social audiences

• Shoot and edit professional‑quality video using mobile phones

• Apply open‑source intelligence and verification techniques to real‑world reporting challenges

• Explore how artificial intelligence is influencing journalism — and the ethical questions this raises

• Develop workflows that balance speed, accuracy and editorial responsibility

• View Schedule

• WEEK 2: CNN Academy simulation

July 5th – July 10th (inclusive), 2026

In-person at University College Dublin in Ireland

Week 2 builds on the skills developed in week 1, placing participants inside a high‑pressure, in-person, newsroom simulation.
Working in international teams, participants are tasked with reporting on an unfolding breaking‑news story in a fictional country. 

It is designed for:

• Journalism and media students, or students with a strong interest in journalism. (Minimum of 1-year’s university study)

• Early‑career journalists (Up to 5 years’ experience)

The simulation evolves in real time, requiring teams to:

• Respond to new information under deadline

• Verify sources and manage misinformation

• Conduct interviews and attend news conferences

• Produce multi‑platform coverage using mobile tools

The simulation is designed to reflect the complexity, uncertainty and collaboration of real‑world journalism — and to test how participants apply their skills when the pressure is on.

Note: Programme 2 includes an optional photography tour of key Irish landmarks on July 11th.

View Schedule

Students Requiring Visas

Whether or not a participant requires an entry visa will depend on their nationality. There is a list of visa required countries here on the Irish Immigration website. There is also information on short stay visas (Stays of up to 90 days), here. If a participant is from a visa required country, then they need an entry visa in advance of coming to Ireland, even for a period of 1-2 weeks.

Why this programme matters

Journalism is changing — but its core values are not.

As technology reshapes how stories are found, verified and distributed, journalists face new responsibilities alongside new tools. This programme creates space to learn, question and experiment — guided by professionals who are navigating these challenges every day.

Participants leave with:

• Practical, transferable skills

• A clearer understanding of how AI is affecting journalism now

• Greater confidence working across platforms and technologies

• Insight into where the industry may be heading — and how to shape it responsibly

Costs, VISAS & staying on campus

Participants are welcome to choose to take week 1 on its own (programme 1) or both weeks together (programme 2).

Participants are responsible for securing a visa to enter Ireland for week 2, if required. More information here.

Students: Want to stay on campus? Accommodation can be provided at a rate of €65 per night. To book and pay for your accommodation click hereand use the promo code UCDCNN7388 to avail of your discount.

Week 1 (online) only:

EU Participants:

Programme fee: €250

Non-EU Participants:

Programme fee: €250

Week 1 (online) and week 2 (in-person) together:

EU Participants:

Programme fee: €1,500 

Non-EU Participants

Programme fee: €1,800

‍ What participants say about our programmes

“As a journalism student, the simulation allowed me to do what many internships don’t: fully immerse myself in a story and engage directly in the action.”

“The simulation taught me that strong storytelling isn’t about speed it’s about clarity, ethics, and staying calm when everything around you is chaotic”

“This truly took hands-on learning to a new level and really felt like real life”

“An experience like no other, the simulation is a real eye-opener, offering a glimpse into the world of journalism.”

“The best week in the almost 23 years I’ve lived on this Earth, how can I do this for the rest of my life?”

“This simulation didn’t just teach me journalism- I learned to think, report, and respond under real newsroom pressure.”

To apply, email Catherine.Carey@ucd.ie indicating your eligibility by 28th April 2026

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