Katharina Schell: “Oxford Was a Great Experience”

How APA’s Deputy Editor-in-Chief Used Her Fellowship to Guide the Future of AI in Journalism?

A Dream Fulfilled at Oxford

Katharina Schell, APA’s Deputy Editor-in-Chief, spent time in Oxford in 2024 thanks to the Alfred Geiringer Fellowship. This fellowship had been a long-time dream for her. It offered a rare chance to take a break from daily newsroom life and reflect on the future of journalism. For Katharina, Oxford wasn’t just a city. It was an intellectual space filled with learning, exchange, and deep focus. The partnership with the Reuters Institute made it even more rewarding. This program gathers journalists from across the world, giving them space to grow. For Katharina, this international connection was one of the best parts of her experience.

A Break from the Newsroom Rush

Katharina has worked in fast-paced roles for many years. At APA, she led the domestic politics department and now serves as deputy editor-in-chief. These roles require constant attention and quick decisions. During her time in Oxford, she could step out of that pace. She used the fellowship period to dive into deep, focused work. She still followed a routine but enjoyed free evenings. In those moments, she finally found time just for herself. This change gave her room to think without pressure.

Learning, Exploring, and Binge-Watching

Even with her busy research, Katharina explored Oxford’s charm. She attended many lectures, talks, and cultural events. Oxford’s academic setting inspired her. It offered a rich environment for thought and reflection. In the evenings, she also enjoyed something lighter—watching British TV. She caught up on BBC series unavailable in Austria. This mix of learning and relaxation made her stay both productive and enjoyable.

Choosing AI Transparency as a Research Focus

Katharina has followed the relationship between AI and journalism for several years. She chose to study how journalists inform readers about AI-generated content. This topic felt urgent and practical. As AI tools become common in newsrooms, the need for clear communication grows. She saw confusion around AI use and wanted to create clarity. Her paper aimed to provide guidance on how news outlets can be more transparent with their audience.

A Guide with Real-World Use

Katharina didn’t want to return to APA with only personal insights. She hoped her Oxford work would also benefit her employer. Her goal was to create something useful for APA’s newsroom. She succeeded by writing a practical guide on how to label and explain AI-generated content. This guide is now published and ready for use. It’s not just a theory paper—it’s a tool for everyday journalism. She wanted her project to have lasting value and spark future work at APA.

Balancing a Demanding Job and Personal Time

Katharina’s job as deputy editor-in-chief keeps her very busy. Still, she tries to disconnect whenever she can. She recently went on a skiing trip to Lapland. The ski huts had no internet. While the break was refreshing, she ran out of mobile data within a week. Finding balance in such a demanding role is hard. But she values every chance she gets to slow down and recharge.

A Fellowship That Makes a Difference

Katharina’s experience at Oxford was more than just a pause in her career. It gave her space to think deeply, learn from others, and produce something meaningful. Her work on AI labeling will help many newsrooms handle new challenges. The Alfred Geiringer Fellowship allowed her to grow and give back at the same time. For her, Oxford wasn’t just a place—it was a turning point.

Conclusion

Katharina Schell’s time in Oxford shows the power of stepping back to move forward. Her research on AI transparency fills an important gap in modern journalism. Her journey proves that with the right space and support, journalists can help shape the future of the industry. Oxford gave her the time, inspiration, and tools to do just that.