Navigating the Complicated Relationship Between OpenAI and the News Industry

For months, OpenAI has been in confidential talks with major players in the U.S. media industry regarding the price and terms of licensing their content to the artificial intelligence company. However, the negotiations were brought into the public eye when The New York Times sued OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement, alleging that they used its content without permission to build AI products. Other news organizations, including Gannett, News Corp, and IAC, have also been in talks with OpenAI. The News/Media Alliance, representing over 2,200 news organizations, has been discussing a framework for a deal with OpenAI. Microsoft, as OpenAI’s biggest investor, has also held talks. OpenAI and Microsoft are seeking licensing deals with news organizations to train AI systems for applications such as chatbots.

Publishing executives and media business experts have found the talks to be complicated due to the rapid development of AI applications, which raises concerns about the future of the media industry. OpenAI stated that it respects the rights of content creators and owners and believes they should benefit from AI technology. News publishers are wary of selling their content too cheaply and fear that AI applications may spread inaccurate information, damaging their credibility. However, some news organizations, such as The Associated Press and Axel Springer, have struck deals with OpenAI. The agreement with The Associated Press allows OpenAI to license their archive of news articles. Axel Springer has granted OpenAI access to its news archive and permits the firm to use newly published articles. Some media companies, like Bloomberg and The Washington Post, have chosen not to focus on commercial deals with OpenAI and instead prioritize their own AI efforts. Despite the tension, some publishing executives see potential benefits in partnering with AI firms for reliable information.