WAN-IFRA Welcomes Ezra Eeman as Strategic Advisor for AI Initiatives
On Friday, November 29, 2024, WAN-IFRA, the World Association of News Publishers, announced the appointment of Ezra Eeman as a strategic advisor for its AI initiatives. Eeman, Director of Strategy and Innovation at Dutch Public Broadcasting (NPO), brings extensive expertise in media innovation to the role. In addition to his current position at NPO, Eeman will support WAN-IFRA’s efforts to help its members navigate the integration of artificial intelligence technologies in the news media industry.
As a leader in media innovation and strategic foresight, Eeman will assist WAN-IFRA members in exploring the potential of AI through the development of AI roadmaps, facilitating forums, and guiding discussions on the integration of AI technologies in the media industry.
Eeman has been a driving force in the digital transformation of the media industry for over a decade. Through his leadership in numerous innovation projects, he has successfully enhanced digital capabilities and audience engagement. With expertise in AI applications for content creation, editorial workflows, and newsroom automation, Eeman has established himself as a thought leader in leveraging AI to revolutionize media practices.
Vincent Peyrègne, CEO of WAN-IFRA, commented on Eeman’s appointment, stating, “AI, both generative and analytical, is reshaping the news media, and the field of AI is continuously evolving, with new techniques and paradigms emerging regularly. With Ezra’s expertise, WAN-IFRA is excited to assist its members in harnessing AI for innovation and growth, ensuring they remain at the forefront of this rapidly changing environment.”
Combining his strategic insight, innovation experience, and deep understanding of the media industry, Eeman has established himself as a respected voice in the application of AI within media organizations, making him an expert in this rapidly evolving field.
WAN-IFRA Launches Multiple Initiatives to Support AI Adoption in the Media Industry
Along with Eeman’s appointment, WAN-IFRA also announced several initiatives designed to support its members in understanding and implementing AI technologies, while learning from industry best practices. These initiatives include:
AI Community: A dedicated platform for news media executives and content creators to network and share insights on AI in media. Led by Eeman, this community will include a Slack channel, regular webinars featuring expert speakers, and case studies, fostering meaningful collaboration.AI Forums: Regional and international forums bringing together AI practitioners and thought leaders. Forums have already been successfully held in Bengaluru, Jakarta, Madrid, and Paris, with upcoming events in Frankfurt and Mexico City. These forums aim to serve as annual meeting points for media professionals to exchange ideas and best practices.Study Tours: WAN-IFRA’s next AI-focused study tour will take place in San Francisco and Silicon Valley from January 27 to 31, 2025, followed by a tour in Bengaluru on February 20 and 21, 2025. These tours will provide first-hand exposure to cutting-edge AI technologies.AI Academy: A new learning platform offering self-paced online modules focused on newsroom AI applications. This platform equips media professionals with practical AI skills to thrive in an AI-driven future.
These initiatives complement WAN-IFRA’s ongoing projects:
Newsroom AI Catalyst Accelerator: A program training 128 newsrooms across Europe, APAC, Latin America, and South Asia in collaboration with OpenAI. The accelerator helps newsrooms build AI prototypes and scale AI solutions.Data Science Expert Group: An international community of over 400 data analysts, scientists, and engineers dedicated to providing insights, tools, and feedback aligned with newsroom priorities to grow audiences, deepen engagement, and optimize revenues.
Advisory Board Driving Strategic AI Initiatives
To further strengthen its AI initiatives, WAN-IFRA has established an Advisory Board chaired by Eeman, comprising leading AI experts and media professionals from prominent organizations. This distinguished board includes:
Jane Barrett, Reuters (United Kingdom)Fergus Bell, Fathm (United Kingdom)Jessica Davis, Gannett Media | USA TODAY (United States)David Dieudonné, Ouest-France (France)José Gutiérrez Cuellar, PRISA (Spain)Fabian Heckenberger, Süddeutsche Zeitung (Germany)Kasper Lindskow, JP/Politikens Media Group (Denmark)Juan Carlos Lopez Calvet, Schibsted Media (Norway)Ingrid Verschuren, Dow Jones (Spain)
The Advisory Board will provide strategic insights and guidance to shape WAN-IFRA’s AI roadmap, addressing key challenges and driving impactful AI adoption across the media industry.
Through these programs and Eeman’s leadership, WAN-IFRA aims to empower media professionals to navigate the transformative possibilities of AI.
Contact and Inquiries
For further inquiries, please contact Giselle Ho, giselle.ho[[[@]]]wan-if