Newsrooms break new ground in AI

Nieman Lab - 

News organizations are embracing generative AI, shifting from a defensive stance to proactive experimentation, hoping for deeper innovations beyond enhancing existing tools. By exploring small, domain-specific models and improving model explainability, the industry aims to harness AI for more relevant, accurate journalism while also enhancing content analysis and classification.

Read more at Nieman Lab (4 mins)

Who’s suing AI and who’s signing: Publisher deals vs lawsuits with generative AI companies

Press Gazette - December 6, 2024

The evolving landscape of AI and journalism involves a mix of lawsuits and licensing agreements as news publishers fight unauthorized content use while seeking fair compensation. Major players like OpenAI are partnering with various media organizations and investing in initiatives to enhance sustainability and protect intellectual property amidst ongoing legal battles.

Read more at Press Gazette (34 mins)

Embracing the meteor: why publishers should see AI as a friend, not an enemy

FIPP - December 4, 2024

Ivan Massow, co-founder of Noah Wire Services, highlights the transformative power of AI in journalism, enabling media outlets to efficiently access relevant news from millions of press releases. By leveraging advanced technology to refine content understanding, Noah empowers journalists to focus on in-depth reporting while streamlining their research processes amidst the overwhelming influx of information.

Read more at FIPP (6 mins)

Can AI Fix Media Bias? Los Angeles Times Owner's Controversial Plan

Forbes - December 8, 2024

Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong's plan to implement an AI-powered bias meter has sparked controversy among journalists, who fear it implies inherent bias without evidence. This initiative highlights the complex relationship between technology and media trust, as skepticism surrounding AI's role in journalism continues to grow amid concerns about misinformation and transparency.

Read more at Forbes (5 mins)

AI inspires innovation in journalism education

Nieman Lab - 

As journalism education lags behind the digital transformation, integrating AI offers a promising avenue for innovation, enhancing curriculum development and student learning experiences. By evolving the role of educators into curators and coaches, AI not only boosts students' confidence but also fosters critical thinking and ethical considerations, paving the way for a transformative era in journalism education.

Read more at Nieman Lab (6 mins)

How AI can help journalists rebuild a fraying connection with their audience

Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism - 

Journalism faces significant challenges including declining public trust, changing news consumption patterns, and economic pressures, while the integration of generative AI offers both opportunities and concerns for enhancing engagement and rebuilding connections with audiences. As digital news consumption surges, fostering transparency around AI's role in journalism is crucial for restoring trust and interest in news.

Read more at Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism (11 mins)

AI is Already Everywhere

TheHumanist.com - December 4, 2024

Karen Hao, an award-winning journalist specializing in artificial intelligence, received the Humanist Media Award for her impactful work highlighting the societal implications of AI. From profiling OpenAI to training journalists on ethical AI coverage, Hao's journey reflects her commitment to diverse narratives and advocating for equitable AI solutions that empower marginalized voices.

Read more at TheHumanist.com (12 mins)

AI slop is already invading Oregon’s local journalism

Opb - December 9, 2024

The Ashland Daily Tidings, a revived newspaper in Oregon, has been scrutinised for using AI-generated articles and plagiarizing local journalists, including Joe Minihane, while falsely claiming to be operated by legitimate contributors. This incident highlights local journalism's growing challenges, particularly in rural areas, as traditional revenue sources decline and misinformation proliferates online.

Read more at Opb (14 mins)

University of Kansas research finds readers trust news less when AI is involved

KU News - 

Recent research from the University of Kansas reveals that readers' trust in news diminishes when AI's role in journalism is unclear, highlighting the need for transparency as audiences often misinterpret AI's contributions. Scholars emphasize the importance of effective communication to enhance understanding and credibility in news reporting.

Read more at KU News (6 mins)

Ted Adams - How AI is Shaping Journalism

Medium - December 6, 2024

AI is transforming journalism by enabling automated news writing and real-time data analysis, particularly benefiting sports and financial reporting. This technology not only enhances personalized content delivery and fact-checking but also reshapes the entire media landscape for faster and more accurate news consumption.

Read more at Medium (1 min)

Publishers are selling papers to train AIs — and making millions of dollars

Nature - December 9, 2024

The rise of generative AI has prompted major scholarly publishers like Wiley and Taylor & Francis to enter licensing agreements for content used in training large language models, as documented in the newly launched Generative AI Licensing Agreement Tracker. These deals underscore the financial and strategic considerations that publishers face while ensuring authors' contributions are recognized in their fields.

Read more at Nature (3 mins)

The tech world is ‘disrupting’ book publishing. But do we want its effortless art?

The Conversation - December 4, 2024

The publishing industry is witnessing a transformative shift as tech companies, including Microsoft and ByteDance, leverage AI to enhance efficiency and democratize book production. Innovations like 8080 Books and 8th Note Press aim to capitalize on fast-paced trends. However, this rise of automation raises concerns about the quality, originality, and long-term cultural value of literature in an increasingly disposable market.

Read more at The Conversation (7 mins)

Publishing Startup Spines Raised $22.5 Million, Aims to Release 8,000 Titles in 2025

EWEEK - December 5, 2024

Spines, a publishing startup, has raised $22.5 million to transform book production with AI, aiming to publish 8,000 titles by 2025 and significantly shorten publishing timelines. With a self-publishing model that allows authors to retain all royalties and rights, Spines could disrupt the traditional publishing landscape as major players also explore AI solutions.

Read more at EWEEK (2 mins)

Future Publishing signs content partnership with OpenAI

Gamedeveloper - December 5, 2024

Future Publishing is teaming up with OpenAI to enrich the ChatGPT experience by integrating content from its extensive media brands, including renowned gaming outlets like PC Gamer and GamesRadar. This collaboration aims to enhance user engagement and transparency while addressing ongoing concerns about AI training practices in the industry.

Read more at Gamedeveloper (2 mins)

Can AI fix the peer review bottleneck? Top journals weigh in

News-Medical - December 5, 2024

A recent study in JAMA Network Open highlights a divisive stance among top medical journals on the use of artificial intelligence in peer review, revealing that while 78% offer guidance, 59% impose strict bans, primarily due to confidentiality concerns. Despite these restrictions, many researchers advocate for AI's potential to enhance the efficiency and quality of the review process, underscoring the need for clearer policies and human oversight.

Read more at News-Medical (4 mins)

Publishing Market to expand by USD 19.37 Billion (2024-2028), fueled by rising demand for diverse content; report explores AI-driven market transformation - Technavio

Prnewswire - December 9, 2024

The global publishing market is set to grow by USD 19.37 billion from 2024 to 2028, driven by the rise of self-publishing and digital formats like eBooks, despite challenges faced by traditional print media. Key trends include increased demand for diverse content, the impact of AI on marketing and personalization, and the continuing evolution of revenue models in the industry.

Read more at Prnewswire (6 mins)