Tech Valley, in partnership with Google, has conducted a Digital Sahafat training session at Lok Sujag, bringing together 40 participants for practical instruction in digital journalism and storytelling. The session introduced working journalists to a set of Google AI tools, including Gemini, Canvas, and Google Flow, and demonstrated how each can support daily reporting, improve digital storytelling, and make newsroom workflows more efficient. Tech Valley said the programme is designed to give media professionals the practical skills needed to adapt to a changing media environment while using artificial intelligence responsibly.
Digital Sahafat was launched in 2024 as part of the Google News Initiative, with Tech Valley serving as the local implementation partner. The programme was announced with the aim of training 1,000 journalists across Pakistan in accurate and engaging digital reporting, with an emphasis on tools that help counter misinformation. Sessions are led by Google-certified trainers and conducted in local languages, and the curriculum includes hands-on exercises in verifying the authenticity of images and videos using tools such as Reverse Image Search, SynthID, and geolocation. Since its launch, the programme has reached newsrooms, universities, and media organisations in several cities, and has also been adapted for media students as well as working reporters.
According to a case study published by the Google News Initiative, the results among participants have been notable. Around 85 percent of those trained now use Google AI tools every day, and nearly 70 percent report saving more than a quarter of the time they previously spent on routine tasks. The same case study reported that confidence in using artificial intelligence among learners rose from 25 percent to 90 percent, suggesting that structured, hands-on training can reduce the hesitation many journalists feel toward new technology. The inclusion of Gemini, Canvas, and Google Flow in the Lok Sujag session reflects how the curriculum has moved from verification and research tools toward generative tools that can assist with drafting, visual storytelling, and content production.
For newsrooms operating with limited staff and tight deadlines, practical training of this kind addresses a real need. Responsible use remains a central theme of the programme, since generative tools can speed up production but also carry risks of error and fabricated content if used without verification. Tech Valley has invited institutions that wish to host their own Digital Sahafat session to get in touch through its website, by email at hello@techvalley.pk, or by phone on 0333 5306444. The Lok Sujag session adds to a growing list of training events through which the programme continues to reach media professionals beyond the major urban centres.
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