OpenAI, the influential AI startup, has recently ventured into the realm of journalism by partnering with the American Journalism Project (AJP) in hopes of integrating AI tools into local newsrooms. OpenAI has committed to providing $5 million to AJP to support various AI-related initiatives. While this may seem like a small sum considering OpenAI’s vast net worth, AJP is eager to explore the potential applications and benefits of AI in journalism.
AJP, a venture philanthropy organization that funds non-profit newsrooms across the United States, aims to ensure the preservation of local journalism as a crucial component of democracy. With this partnership, AJP intends to utilize OpenAI’s financial support to establish a specialized technology and AI studio. This dedicated team will assess how AI can be effectively employed within the local news sector. Once the potential applications are identified, AJP will share the findings with its partnered newsrooms and educate them on how to leverage these AI tools. Furthermore, AJP plans to allocate the remaining funds to provide direct grants to its partner organizations, enabling them to implement AI pilot programs.
OpenAI’s motive behind this partnership is to demonstrate the positive impact AI can have on newsrooms. By offering grants and resources, OpenAI aims to foster a symbiotic relationship with the media industry. Other tech companies have already realized the potential to influence and support the news media by providing grants intermittently. Although AI has the ability to disrupt the media landscape significantly, OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, wants to be regarded as a champion of journalism rather than a threat to its existence.
OpenAI also made a significant stride toward garnering support from the media industry through its recently announced partnership with the Associated Press (AP). This collaboration grants OpenAI access to a portion of the AP’s extensive text archives, while the AP can utilize OpenAI’s tools to explore the use of generative AI in news products and services. Kristin Heitmann, AP’s Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, expressed her satisfaction with OpenAI’s recognition of the importance of nonpartisan news content and the value of intellectual property.
However, some critics question the wisdom of the AP’s decision to partner with OpenAI, suggesting that the benefits for the news organization seem limited. Despite the lack of detailed information on the extent of the collaboration, OpenAI stands to gain significantly by accessing data from a reputable news organization rather than having to extract information from various online sources. This agreement solidifies OpenAI’s credibility in the media industry and provides a legally secure pathway for its data mining operations, which have previously led to legal complications.
Gizmodo reached out to both the American Journalism Project and the Associated Press for further clarification on their respective partnerships with OpenAI but has yet to receive a response.
In conclusion, OpenAI’s collaboration with the American Journalism Project aims to explore the potential of AI in local newsrooms, with OpenAI providing $5 million in funding. Additionally, OpenAI’s partnership with the Associated Press grants the organization access to valuable text archives while offering the AP an opportunity to explore generative AI applications. These collaborations serve OpenAI’s objective of positioning itself as a supporter and facilitator of journalism, despite concerns about the long-term implications of AI in the media industry.
