A Global Laboratory Where Journalism Meets AI
Media Party NYC, hosted by Columbia University’s Brown Institute from May 8–10, 2026, invites journalists, technologists, researchers, and entrepreneurs to submit proposals for our working convening. This is an opportunity to share cutting-edge work and engage in practical problem-solving to address the forces reshaping news, particularly in the post-search era defined by AI-driven workflows, creator-led distribution, and shifting audience behavior.
We’re in a post-search era. A generation now encounters journalism through individual creators and vertical video. Traditional consumers are increasingly getting their information straight from AI platforms.
The Submission Period is Open: March 4st – April 2nd
We are seeking proposals that fit the format of workshops and lightning talks across our four core thematic tracks. Submissions should be designed to foster mutual learning and tangible outcomes, emphasizing global perspectives and practical applications.
Thematic Tracks for Submission:
- News Influencers & Vertical Video: Exploring the shift to individual creators as primary distribution channels. We are looking for insights on ethical boundaries, editorial standards, and sustainable business models in this landscape, with a focus on how creator dynamics vary across media markets.
- Local News & Civic Technology: Showcasing how AI tools can empower under-resourced newsrooms (automated translation, data analysis, audience engagement) while maintaining community trust and valuing local information ecosystems.
- Internal Tools & AI Workflows: Sharing and comparing approaches to building and adopting AI systems inside news organizations. We encourage practitioners to surface what has and hasn’t worked, and to develop frameworks for responsible deployment and cross-industry evaluation.
- Audiences & Algorithmic Distribution: Presenting strategies for news organizations to reach and retain audiences in a fragmented media environment increasingly mediated by AI-driven discovery systems.
Who Should Submit a Proposal?
- Communications leaders navigating AI integration.
- Developers building tools for journalism and civic technology.
- Researchers studying human-AI collaboration.
- Entrepreneurs developing sustainable news models.
- Any professional dedicated to the civic technology ecosystem and the future of news.
We look forward to your proposals that will help redefine the industry and strengthen the global news ecosystem.
