Biography
Paul Cheung is a mission-focused leader dedicated to driving innovation and progress in the media industry. With over 20 years of experience, he has spearheaded transformative initiatives focused on technology adoption, combating misinformation, ensuring business sustainability, and fostering organizational culture change.
As the Strategic Advisor for Hacks/Hackers, Paul Cheung leads the development and execution of strategies that promote the adoption of emerging technologies like AI within the media industry. His responsibilities include strategy development, program designs, fundraising and forging partnerships to seamlessly integrate advanced technologies across the media landscape. Previously, Cheung held key leadership roles at notable organizations including the Center for Public Integrity, Knight Foundation, NBC News Digital, The Associated Press, The Miami Herald, and The Wall Street Journal. His work has been crucial in developing innovative models and partnerships that have greatly diversified news organizations and enhanced their sustainability.
Paul Cheung serves as an advisor and committee member for the Institute for Independent Journalists and Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. He has also held board positions at organizations such as the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and First Draft News. Additionally, he co-leads the Executive Leadership Program at the Asian American Journalists Association. Cheung graduated from the Punch Sulzberger Executive Leadership Program at Columbia University and holds a degree from New York University.
Articles, Publications, and Appearances
- Rethinking journalism’s core in an AI-driven world: Published by The Center for News, Technology, and Innovation, this essay explores the implications of AI on journalism’s traditional practices and calls for adaptive strategies to maintain journalistic integrity in the digital age.
- Guest column: Published by Reynolds Journalism Institute, the column that explores how newsrooms and journalists with limited resources can use AI tools to improve efficiency and increase capacity in their daily development and audience operations.
- How to lead in a Kobayashi Maru scenario: Featured in Source by OpenNews, this piece examines leadership strategies in no-win situations, drawing parallels to challenges in journalism and media development.
- Journalism should take a cue from entertainment — diversity grows audiences: Written for Poynter, this essay argues for the strategic inclusion of diverse voices in journalism to broaden audience engagement and strengthen democracy.
- A year of consolidation in nonprofit news and more news organizations will realize they are in the business of impact, not eyeballs: Contributed to Nieman Journalism Lab’s annual predictions, this article predicts trends in nonprofit journalism, emphasizing the shift from chasing viewership to creating impactful journalism.
For the Knight Foundation
- AI for Local News: Advancing Business Sustainability in Newsrooms: Discusses the integration of AI in enhancing the business operations of local newsrooms.
- Journalism’s Superfood: AI: Explores how artificial intelligence can serve as a powerful tool for journalists, enhancing efficiency and information quality.
- Ethics and Governance of AI Initiative Announces $750,000 Challenge on News and Information Quality: Details a significant funding challenge aimed at improving news quality through ethical AI practices.
- A conversation with Jim VandeHei, founder and CEO of Axios for the Knight Foundation on why he thinks there is a sustainable future for for-profit local journalism and why the time is now.