NLGJA 2026 National Convention

This panel will explore the intersection of bisexual and transgender history, advocacy issues, everyday shared life experiences and how to bring these issues to life in stories.

Independent journalists are on the rise. Even as AI and mass layoffs continue to reshape the news business, independents are building their own platforms from scratch on social media and through newsletters — and earning money while doing it. This session covers building sustainable business systems for freelancers and creator journalists, including how to determine fair rates, manage time, network with intention, and protect yourself — and your intellectual property. Learn from seasoned freelance journalists how to generate multiple revenue streams, earn consistent income, seek out new clients and prioritize emotional and financial sustainability. The Institute for Independent Journalists will share new findings from their research on freelance funding and journalism resources for independents. 

So you're looking for a job, and everyone is talking about the role that generative AI plays in the application process. This session will take job seekers behind the hiring curtain, with insights from a panel of recruiters and hiring managers, to answer the questions on many applicants' minds: How do I optimize my resume for an AI reader? When and how is it appropriate to use AI in the job search or in crafting my application? Are there AI tools that can help me navigate a career shift? Can I vibe code my way into a new job?

We’ve spent the last two years figuring out the best way to use AI for investigative reporting in ways that are scalable to the newsroom and easy-to-use for non technical reporters. This hand-drawn presentation will walk the audience through the design and testing of Cheatsheet, an AI tool built by The New York Times for investigative reporting. Instead of a "black box" chat interface, it is centered on prioritizing the primary sources. The session will explore the internal user-testing process, explaining why the Times chose to build custom tooling from scratch rather than relying on off-the-shelf products. This session is designed for investigative reporters, designers, and developers who want to see how the Times bridge-builds between editorial needs and technical implementation. Attendees will leave with a practical roadmap for building AI tools that prioritize the goals of investigative reporting (in-depth understanding, needle in a haystack, classification and mass translation of large amounts of documents), a list of "Dos and Don’ts" for AI in the newsroom, a demo of the tool, and a first look at our plans for open-sourcing Cheatsheet for broader access.