AFP appoints chief editor Sophie Huet to new AI role

She will work on implementing new AI tools to help the global AFP newsroom, ensuring the Agency stays ahead of the curve at a time when technology is upending the industry.

Drawing on a previous role as head of AFP’s graphics and innovation department, Huet will also be responsible for pushing forward data journalism at AFP.

She will also track the fast-moving developments in AI innovation across the media landscape and represent AFP at international conferences, including the forthcoming Perugia festival, where AFP has an unprecedented presence.

A key part of her role will be training AFP’s global newsroom to benefit from AI-related tools and updating the existing editorial guidelines on their use.

AFP Global News Director Phil Chetwynd said: “AI is already changing the way we do journalism and I am delighted our outstanding editor-in-chief is taking on this vital new role in the top management team.”

“Sophie brings a wealth of editorial and project management skills to this position and is the perfect person to drive forward AFP’s editorial AI strategy,” added Chetwynd.

Global Editor-in-Chief Sophie Huet said: “I am incredibly excited to be taking up this new role at such a key moment in the development of this technology.”

“I look forward to developing innovative tools to facilitate our journalists’ work and produce exciting new content, always keeping in mind our ethical principles and the quality and excellence that AFP is known for worldwide,” she added.

Sophie will gradually start to look at these new topics in the coming months and will fully take up her new role once a successor is found for her current job.