PUNCH selected for Google, FT Strategies’ AI launchpad programme
The PUNCH Newspapers has been chosen as one of eight organisations from Europe, the Middle East and Africa regions to participate in the Google News Initiative AI Launchpad programme, delivered in collaboration with FT Strategies and Google.
The AI Launchpad is a five-month intensive programme designed to help news publishers develop a responsible and ambitious approach to integrating Artificial Intelligence into their operations.
Out of more than 120 applicants from across the region, The PUNCH was selected for its clear goals and readiness to conduct intermediate-level AI experiments.
The programme will guide participating publishers through live experiments and provide access to expertise from the GNI, FT Strategies and other industry leaders.
The aim is to identify areas within each business where AI can enhance existing processes and drive innovation in audience engagement.
Participants will benefit from hands-on experiments, one-on-one sessions with FT Strategies consultants, and opportunities to exchange best practices with other publishers in the cohort.
The Managing Director at FT Strategies, Joanna Levesque, emphasised the collaborative nature of the programme.
“This programme is designed in an exploratory spirit to help demystify AI and catalyse experimentation across your business. At FT Strategies, we seek to guide fellow news publishers with lessons from the Financial Times. In the case of AI, we are working through many of the same questions as you, and look forward to sharing those learnings with you in this programme.
“FT Strategies was founded on the principles of sharing learnings and mutual benefit. In programmes such as this, we are keen to also create a safe space for you to share your ambitions and fears with other publishers,” Levesque said.
The AI Launchpad is part of the Google News Initiative’s broader mission to support journalism in the digital age.
The initiative offers training and resources to help news organisations thrive, focusing on quality independent journalism, financial sustainability, and innovation.
FT Strategies is a specialist media consultancy owned by the Financial Times, with expertise in helping news and media organisations globally, address strategic challenges, drive growth, and innovate using AI, technology, and data.
