Algorithmic Literacy for Journalists

Helping journalists understand the functions, impacts, and ethics of algorithms

Algorithmic Accountability

Algorithmic accountability reporting adapts journalism’s traditional watchdog function to investigate algorithms, their social impacts beyond the world of tech, and their potential for perpetuating existing biases, inequalities, and other social risks. These three sections are intended primarily for journalists who encounter algorithms in the course of doing their jobs or who are interested in reporting on them.

Relevant Questions

What to ask—your sources and yourself

Newsworthy Sources

Who to ask—Expanding the scope of authorized sources

Informative Frames

How to avoid seven common pitfalls in AI reporting

Algorithmic "Gatekeeping"

Algorithmic “gatekeeping” restricts journalists and newsrooms from reaching a wider audience through shadow bans, demonetization, and other forms of content reduction. The sections on shadow bans and advertising “blocklists” are intended for newsrooms managers, while journalists and managers may be interested in algorithm audits.

Conducting a DIY Algorithmic Audit

Six steps to produce newsworthy findings that promote algorithmic accountability

Responding to Shadow Bans

Five tips for recognizing and responding to shadow bans of news content

Sidestepping Advertising "Blocklists"

Nine guidelines help newsrooms protect their bottom line while also informing their audiences.

Published Articles

For more information on this project, check out the Algorithmic Literacy for Journalists’ published posts, written by Andy Lee Roth, with contributions from avram anderson and Shealeigh Voitl, and published on the Reynolds Journalism Institute website.

Introducing Algorithmic Literacy for Journalists

Resources to help journalists and newsrooms confront power imbalances by promoting industry accountability and public understanding

February 24th, 2025

Read Here

System Error

Learning from a newspaper’s plan to deploy an AI-powered “bias meter”

February 4th, 2025

Read Here

Life preserver on a ship deck behind storm clouds.

Resources to support newsrooms’ responsible use of and reporting on algorithms

An annotated directory of how-to guides, exemplary journalism and policies — plus a cool online game

January 7th, 2025

Read Here

How advertising blocklists undermine online journalism

Nine guidelines help newsrooms protect their bottom line while also informing their audiences

November 25th, 2024

Read Here

Jockeying for attention

Lessons from “horse race” coverage can improve reporting on new developments in AI technology

October 30th, 2024

Read Here

Recognizing and responding to shadow bans

Social media restrictions can render newsworthy reporting on controversial topics invisible

September 30th, 2024

Read Here

How to conduct a DIY algorithm audit

Six steps to produce newsworthy findings that promote algorithmic accountability

September 4th, 2024

Read Here

Big tech algorithms: The new gatekeepers

Algorithmic Literacy for Journalists will be an interactive resource to help journalists understand the functions, consequences and ethics of algorithms in a digital age

July 31st, 2024

Read Here

Our Team

Andy Lee Roth

Project Lead

(he/him)

Andy Lee Roth

Project Lead

Andy Lee Roth is editor-at-large for Project Censored and its publishing imprint, The Censored Press. He is co-editor of Project’s State of the Free Press yearbook series, and a coauthor of The Media and Me: A Guide to Critical Media Literacy for Young People. Roth began working with the Project in 2006, and he served as associate director from 2012-2024. During that time, he helped coordinate and expand the Project’s Campus Affiliates Program, which provides hands-on critical media literacy training for students at colleges and universities across North America. As a 2024-2025 Reynolds Journalism Institute Fellow, Roth developed Algorithmic Literacy for Journalists, a web-based set of practical resources to help journalists promote industry accountability and public understanding of how artificial intelligence systems are revolutionizing journalism, and those systems’ potential for perpetuating biases, inequalities, and other social risks. He has taught courses in sociology at Sonoma State University, Pomona College, and Citrus College. His research and writing have been published in numerous outlets, including Index on Censorship, In These Times, YES! Magazine, Truthout, The Progressive, Media Culture & Society, and the International Journal of Press/Politics. Roth holds a PhD in sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a BA in sociology and anthropology from Haverford College, and he serves on the boards of the Media Freedom Foundation, Weave News, and The Censored Press.

Email:info@alfj.org

avram anderson

Researcher/Author

(they/them)

avram anderson

Researcher/Author

avram anderson’s research explores censorship, algorithmic accountability, and digital gatekeeping, with a focus on the impact on marginalized communities and public discourse. Their publications span critical analyses of media biases, LGBTQ+ representation, and the influence of emerging technologies on freedom of expression.With a history of bridging academic research and practical application, avram collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to investigate how digital platforms shape societal narratives. Their contributions to academic and professional discourse highlight the intersection of technology, media, and equity, offering tools and frameworks to advance understanding and accountability in the digital age. Recent works include “Censorship by Proxy and Moral Panics in the Digital Era,” in Censorship, Digital Media, and the Global Crackdown on Freedom of Expression (2024) and co-author of The Media and Me: A Guide to Critical Media Literacy for Young People (2022). They also contribute to the Index on Censorship, In These Times, and Truthout.

avram anderson (they/them)

Collection Management Librarian

California State University, Northridge

Kate Horgan

Website Design Lead

(she/they)

Kate Horgan

Website Design Lead

Kate Horgan holds a BA in Communication and a BS in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she began her work with the Project under the guidance of Allison Butler. Kate co-authored The Media and Me: A Guide to Critical Media Literacy for Young People (2022), writing a chapter on representation in the media. In the summer of 2022 Kate joined Project Censored as a Summer Intern and has continued her work with the Project ever since.

Email:kate@projectcensored.org

Adam Armstrong

Project Administrator

(he/him)

Adam Armstrong

Project Administrator

Adam Armstrong is a multifaceted professional with a diverse background in International Relations and Political Science. His career has been characterized by a deep commitment to community development, activism, and conservation, earning him recognition on both local and international stages. During his tenure as a Community Economic Development Specialist in the Peace Corps, Adam was not only a tireless advocate for the indigenous community he served, but also gained widespread acclaim for this dedication. His impactful work in this role was featured in local and international publications, shedding light on the positive changes happening within this small village nestled deep within the Panamanian jungle.

Adam's passion for storytelling and advocacy also found expression in the world of documentary filmmaking. He played a pivotal role in the creation of the award-winning film "El Cacao," which offered a poignant glimpse into the life of a cacao farmer who resided within the very community Adam dedicated nearly three years of his life during his Peace Corps service.

Adam's activism extended to environmental conservation, where he successfully led a campaign in collaboration with The Friends of the Gualala River. This campaign prevented a large wine maker from clear-cutting redwoods on the picturesque California coast, preserving the natural beauty of the region. In addition to his contributions in the non-profit sector, Adam is the founder of Mutari Chocolate. What began as a small, traditional "bean-to-bottle" artisan hot chocolate company quickly grew to receive recognition from prestigious entities such as the Lincoln Motor Company and the iconic London based Harrods department store. Various publications have also celebrated Mutari Chocolate's artisanal offerings.

Adam's commitment to media literacy and responsible journalism led him to work with Project Censored and the Media Freedom Foundation. Starting as an intern in 2006, he has since taken on numerous pivotal roles within the organization. As the Project Censored Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Media Freedom Foundation Treasurer, he oversees the financial aspects and daily operations of these critical organizations. His responsibilities encompass web development, fundraising, business administration, and graphic design. Leading a dedicated team, Adam's overarching goal is to educate the public about the indispensable importance of critical media literacy.

Adam Armstrong's remarkable journey through community development, documentary filmmaking, artisanal chocolate, and media literacy advocacy showcases a remarkable commitment to making a positive impact on society at large. His career continues to exemplify a dedication to positive change and a passion for storytelling that inspires others to engage in meaningful action.

Email:info@projectcensored.org

Shealeigh Voitl

Researcher/Author

(she/her)

Shealeigh Voitl

Researcher/Author

Shealeigh Voitl is Project Censored’s associate director. She first began her research with the Project at North Central College alongside Steve Macek, co-authoring the Déjá Vu News chapter in the State of the Free Press 2022 and 2023, and the Top 25 chapter in SFP 2023. In addition to her contributions as a recent co-editor of the yearbook series, and work with the Campus Affiliate Program and on other Censored Press titles, Shealeigh helped develop the State of the Free Press 2024 teaching guide, the Project’s Beyond Fact-Checking: A Teaching Guide to the Power of News Frames, and The Project Censored Show’s forthcoming segment Frame-Check. Her writing has also been featured in Truthout, The Progressive, and Ms. Magazine. She lives in Chicago.

Thank you for your interest in Algorithmic Literacy for Journalists.

Please use this form to send us a message. We look forward to hearing from you and will respond as soon as possible.

Send Us a Message