WAN-IFRA Appoints Ezra Eeman as Director of AI in Media

WAN-IFRA has appointed Ezra Eeman as Director, AI in Media, effective October 1, 2026. Eeman, previously the Director of Strategy & Innovation at the Dutch public broadcaster NPO, will lead the global association’s AI strategy, executive education, and research to help 3,000 news publishing companies integrate artificial intelligence into their business models.

Ezra Eeman’s Mandate for Global Newsrooms

Eeman enters the role not as an outsider, but as a known entity within the organization. According to WAN-IFRA, he has served as a strategic advisor for the association’s AI initiatives since late 2024.

His responsibilities include overseeing the Newsroom AI Catalyst and the AI Futures Lab, as well as managing strategic partnerships with technology firms. Eeman will focus on benchmarking and advisory services, providing publishers with a roadmap to accelerate adoption without sacrificing journalistic standards.

“The challenge for publishers is no longer whether to embrace AI, but how to do so in a way that strengthens journalism, builds trust and creates sustainable business value,” Eeman stated. He emphasized that the relationship between journalism and AI is currently being redefined, requiring publishers to maintain a strong voice in shaping the future.

The Strategic Pivot of WAN-IFRA

The appointment of Eeman is a signal that WAN-IFRA is moving beyond theoretical discussions. The organization has already expanded its AI portfolio to include the Next Gen AI Leaders programme and global AI Forums. Stig Ørskov, CEO of WAN-IFRA, described Eeman as one of the most respected voices in the industry, noting that he combines strategic insight with the practical experience necessary to create “lasting business value.”

Bridging the Innovation Gap in Europe and Beyond

Eeman’s background is rooted in the European public broadcasting sector. Before his tenure at NPO, he held senior innovation and digital leadership roles at Mediahuis, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), and VRT, the Belgian public broadcaster.

WAN-IFRA’s AI in Media community aims to bridge this gap by facilitating knowledge sharing across 120 countries.

The proliferation of deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation threatens the "public value of journalism," according to Eeman.

Implementation Timeline and Industry Impact

The focus will be on "responsible, effective, and sustainable" deployment.