NZZ training offensive on artificial intelligence for the editorial team
Following two successful sessions, the NZZ is continuing its professional development initiative: Starting in January 2026, it will launch a multi-day professional development program in collaboration with the MAZ Institute for Journalism and Communication on the topic of «Artificial Intelligence in Journalism.» The goal is to equip editors from all departments with the knowledge to use AI in a targeted and responsible manner as a tool in their work.
With the third round of the "Digital Knowledge" initiative, NZZ is once again strengthening the digital skills of its editorial teams. The program is part of the AI-First strategy and shows how technology supports everyday journalistic work and enables quality journalism, product innovation and efficient processes. The "human in the loop" principle continues to apply: AI supports journalistic work - it does not replace it.
"We don't want to observe the opportunities offered by AI from the sidelines, but rather actively integrate it into our work and explore its limits together," says Eric Gujer, Editor-in-Chief of NZZ. "The training course teaches how AI can usefully support the journalistic work process - in researching, structuring and editing content as well as in developing new digital formats. "The training course lasts three days and will be held several times between January and July so that all interested parties can take part. Around 200 employees have already registered. The aim is for all NZZ and "NZZ am Sonntag" editorial staff to be able to expand their skills in dealing with AI.
Theoretical principles and practical applications
Between 2023 and 2025, four different courses were offered at the NZZ as part of the "Digital Knowledge" initiative - with a focus on open source intelligence (OSINT), data journalism, audience analysis and digital research tools. The offer met with great interest: Well over 200 editorial staff from NZZ and "NZZ am Sonntag" took part. The program will be continued and expanded with a focus on AI as a work tool.
"AI is fundamentally changing journalism - so it is all the more important that our teams understand how to use the technology in a meaningful and supportive way," says Carola Ettenreich, Head of Operations at NZZ. She developed and coordinated the program together with the MAZ.
"The NZZ approaches the topic of AI with the necessary ambition and journalistic care," says MAZ study director Reto Vogt. "This combination is crucial. Because only those who deal with AI in depth can exploit its potential without relinquishing journalistic responsibility."
