By Imran Malik
CHICAGO, April 3 (MediaBites & Act Global Media Orlando) — Journalists from around the world gathered in Chicago for ONA26, navigating global uncertainty to engage in critical discussions on safety, artificial intelligence, and the future of journalism.
Held in the Windy City, the annual conference of the Online News Association opened with a mix of resilience and reflection, as attendance appeared slightly lower than in previous years, likely impacted by ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the Iran conflict, and recent global travel disruptions.
For this correspondent, the journey from Lahore via Abu Dhabi took more than 15 hours — underscoring the logistical challenges many international participants faced. Compared to earlier editions, including Atlanta, the conference saw a reduced global presence, with fewer attendees from regions such as Europe and South Asia.
Despite this, the spirit of collaboration remained strong. Conversations with journalists from community-driven platforms, including those serving Afghan audiences, highlighted the continued importance of cross-border storytelling.
One of the most powerful sessions of the day, “Safety Through Solidarity: Chicago’s Approach to High-Risk Reporting,” featured emotional reflections from speakers including April Alonso and insights from Maira Khwaja, with Lolly Bowean moderating. Supported by the International Women’s Media Foundation and the Ford Foundation, the session emphasized the human cost and ethical responsibility of frontline reporting.
Artificial intelligence emerged as a central theme throughout the day. A parallel session led by experts from Reuters explored practical strategies for integrating AI into newsroom workflows, while maintaining editorial standards.
Audience engagement also took center stage. In “Bringing Readers Back: Real-World Tactics for Combating News Fatigue,” Jennifer Kho and Angela Pacienza of The Globe and Mail discussed how curated journalism can rebuild trust in an era of information overload.
Another session hosted by Reddit examined the platform’s growing role in audience engagement and content distribution for journalists.
A panel on “AI for Investigative Journalism,” moderated by Rubina Fillion of The New York Times, stood out as one of the day’s highlights. Panelists, including Garance Burke of Associated Press and Sisi Wei of CalMatters, explored how AI can enhance investigative reporting while preserving journalistic integrity.
The day concluded with discussions on the sustainability of public media, featuring voices from National Public Radio and Chicago Public Media, addressing funding challenges and evolving newsroom models.
ONA CEO and Executive Director Niketa Patel closed the day with a welcome address, acknowledging the global community of journalists उपस्थित despite a complex international landscape.
The opening day wrapped up with networking sessions and a reception supported by Press Forward, the Driehaus Foundation, and the Joyce Foundation, offering attendees a chance to connect after a day of intense discussions.
Day one of ONA26 underscored a clear message: despite mounting challenges, journalism continues to adapt — driven by collaboration, innovation, and an enduring commitment to truth.
To be continued…
