In a groundbreaking move, OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has entered into an unprecedented global publishing deal with Axel Springer, a prominent publishing giant. The agreement involves OpenAI paying Axel Springer for the utilization of its news content in the development and training of AI models, marking a pioneering collaboration in the realm of artificial intelligence and journalism.
Under this unique deal, ChatGPT users will receive concise summaries of news stories sourced from Axel Springer’s esteemed brands, including Politico, Business Insider, Bild, and Welt. Importantly, the summaries will include proper attribution and links to the original sources, ensuring transparency and acknowledgment of the reporting origins. This strategic partnership aims to empower OpenAI’s AI models by leveraging Axel Springer’s high-quality and up-to-date information, enhancing the accuracy and relevance of the chatbots’ responses.
Mathias Döpfner, the Chief Executive of Axel Springer, expressed enthusiasm about the unprecedented global partnership, stating, “We want to explore the opportunities of AI empowered journalism — to bring quality, societal relevance, and the business model of journalism to the next level.”
While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, both companies emphasized the historic nature of this collaboration. The Wall Street Journal first reported on this groundbreaking agreement.
Brad Lightcap, the Chief Operating Officer of OpenAI, highlighted the significance of this partnership in providing users with innovative ways to access quality, real-time news content through their AI tool. He stated, “We are deeply committed to working with publishers and creators around the world and ensuring they benefit from advanced AI technology and new revenue models.”
The move comes at a time when ChatGPT, with an estimated 100 million active users, has gained significant popularity as one of the fastest-growing consumer applications globally. However, the widespread use of ChatGPT has also raised concerns regarding the dissemination of misinformation, prompting discussions about the responsibility of AI in shaping public discourse.
Acknowledging the potential impact of AI on the news and publishing industry, OpenAI’s agreement with Axel Springer follows The New York Times’ recent announcement of creating a new leadership position dedicated to artificial intelligence initiatives within its newsroom. This signals a growing recognition of the pivotal role that rapidly advancing technology will play in the future of news production.
Notably, OpenAI had previously entered into an agreement with The Associated Press earlier this year, focusing on licensing the news collective’s reporting archive. These strategic collaborations underscore the evolving landscape of journalism, where artificial intelligence is becoming an integral part of news creation and dissemination.
