Director - AI Governance and Initiatives | Senior Editor - Audience
MediaNews Group | Tribune Publishing
Kristyn Wellesley leads AI Governance and Initiatives for MediaNews Group and Tribune Publishing, directing enterprise-wide strategy and the safe integration of AI across some of the country’s most storied news brands.
As an IAPP-certified Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP), Kristyn oversees the structured review frameworks that evaluate AI tools for legal, privacy, and reputational risk. She approaches AI governance not as a hurdle, but as a foundation for sustainable journalism, ensuring that technical innovation never comes at the expense of trust.
With nearly two decades of newsroom leadership experience—currently serving as Senior Editor for Audience Engagement and Development—Kristyn bridges the gap between emerging tech and editorial integrity. Her work is rooted in the belief that thoughtful oversight is essential to sustaining audience relationships as AI becomes more embedded in the industry.
Kristyn is a 2026 Media Transformation Challenge Fellow and holds a Master’s degree with distinction in International Journalism from City St. George’s, University of London.
Beyond the Hype: A Blueprint for Operationalizing AI Governance in Your Newsroom
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM CT