August 12, SFI MediaFutures hosted a session at Arendalsuka titled “AI in the Media: Empowering Editors and Safeguarding Democracy”, in collaboration with some of their industry partners. The event brought together researchers, innovators, and media professionals to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can support a more responsible, transparent, and democratic media landscape.
The session was structured into three thematic parts, each highlighting how AI can be used to strengthen editorial practices and protect the public from misinformation:
Part 1: Introducing MediaFutures
Anne Nielsen, Administrative Coordinator at MediaFutures, opened the session with an introduction to the centre’s mission: advancing responsible media technology and innovation. Centre Director Christoph Trattner followed with a presentation on how MediaFutures is tackling visual misinformation using technologies such as C2PA.
Part 2: AI as a Tool to Empower Editors
TV2’s AI team, Lubos Steskal and Chris Ronald Hermansen, shared insights from their project KI-Kjetil, where a virtual avatar was used to explore new possibilities in journalism. Morten Langfeldt Dahlback from Faktisk.no presented how AI can support fact-checking and investigative journalism, reinforcing the editor’s role in today’s complex information environment.
Part 3: AI as a Tool to Safeguard Democracy
Christopher Senf, Innovation Coordinator at MediaFutures, demonstrated how AI can be used to moderate political debates and counter disinformation. Gaute Kokkvoll from Factiverse concluded the session by showcasing how their technology verifies political claims in real time, a vital contribution to a more informed public discourse.
Why This Matters
As a research centre for responsible media technology and innovation, MediaFutures is committed to being present where societal dialogue takes place. Arendalsuka offers a unique platform to demonstrate how research and industry collaboration can lead to technological solutions that are not only advanced, but also ethically sound and socially beneficial. Through initiatives like this, we work toward our vision: to shape the future of media technology with responsibility, openness, and innovation, for the benefit of both the media industry and democratic society.