San Francisco – March 24, 2025

Silicon Valley is a hub of innovation where new technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual reality are changing how we create and share information. Located near major tech companies such as OpenAI, Google, Meta, Adobe, well renowned newspapers such as the San Francisco Chronicle, and KQED and academic institutions like UC Berkeley, and Stanford University, Swissnex San Francisco is exploring how journalists can use these new tools effectively. The goal is to help reporters use advanced technology while still maintaining a balanced, critical perspective that favor rigorous, ethical reporting, serving the public’s need for accurate information and responds to the evolving challenges confronting journalism today.

This year’s program coincides with two major journalism events – the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication conference and the World Journalism Education Congress – further enhancing opportunities for participants to engage with global experts and expand their professional networks.

MLJ 2025: What is the mission?

The Multimedia Lab for Journalists is a program for Swiss journalists, multimedia storytellers, and web designers/developers. It helps participants develop new practices, storytelling techniques, and models to create engaging and immersive multimedia experiences, and exploresthe impact of Generative AI on the industry. It offers strategic insights and networking opportunities in Silicon Valley, and exposes them to new ways of thinking. Participants will engage with top industry experts, benefit from peer learning, and apply the newly introduced concepts during the various workshops.
Our mission is to inspire novel approaches in communication and journalism and create an exchange platform between local experts from the Bay Area and Swiss journalists.

The Program – August 4 to 15, 2024

A 2-week intensive curriculum with local experts in journalism and multimedia storytelling.
Daily group workshops will be held, during which participants will experience new technologies like generative AI and learn how to apply them to their projects.
Public events, expert talks and site visits. Participants will also gain insights into the latest advancements, and engage in discussions on topics relevant to the future of journalism.
Individual support from Swissnex staff to set program goals and facilitate introductions to relevant contacts, as well as with external local mentors, before and during the Multimedia Lab for Journalists.
Visibility: Opportunity to participate in public events and activities to showcase projects and interact with the local community of journalists.

The deadline to apply is April 27, 2025.

Cost of the program

Tuition for the 2-week program is CHF 5,000. Gebert Rüf Stiftung (GRS) provides financial support for selected participants.
GRS-Supported Participants:

• GRS covers CHF 2,500 of the tuition fee.
• Selected participants pay the remaining CHF 2,500.
• They also receive a CHF 1,000 stipend to help cover travel and accommodation costs.

Self-Funded Participants:

• Full tuition of CHF 5,000 applies.
• Travel and accommodation expenses must be covered independently.

About Swissnex in San Francisco

For the third time in a row, Swissnex in San Francisco organizes the Multimedia Lab for Journalists with the support of the Gebert Rüf Stiftung. Over the past two editions, 23 journalism and multimedia storytelling professionals joined us at Pier 17. With a strong network in the Bay Area, Swissnex has been providing insightful workshops and building connections between Swiss communicators and experts in Silicon Valley.