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- MediaMorph Edition 54 - by HANA News
MediaMorph Edition 54 - by HANA News
How to avoid the 21% drop zone
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The written-by-a-human bit
The big bombshell this week was the internal memo sent by Business Insider CEO Barbara Peng to staff - see article links below. Twenty-one per cent of staff were about to receive an email from the People and Culture Team, which is never a good sign. On the other hand, Business Insider is leaning into events and AI. Sensibly, they have already launched a Gen-AI search product and an AI-powered paywall (please speak to us about both).
Rather than delving into the strategy, I would like to shift the conversation and advise on how, on a personal level, you can avoid being in the 21% drop zone.
It’s much the same question as asking what skills students and graduates should be learning right now as they enter the job market.
The short answer is to become proficient in using the tools. Be the leader who demonstrates an early adopter attitude and has the enthusiasm for trying out new tools each week. Take a course, stay current, stay curious, learn by doing. Understand the capabilities and limitations to identify suitable use cases.
When asked the same question, Sam Altman said learn to use the tools, practice adaptability and resilience, and figure out what people actually want.
On the Hard Fork podcasts last week, DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis was asked how students should prepare, and he said:
“I would also say immerse yourself now. In trying to become a sort of ninja using the latest tools. I think you can almost be sort of superhuman in some ways if you got really good at using all the latest, coolest AI tools. But don't neglect the basics too, because you need the fundamentals. And then I think teach sort of meta skills, really of like learning to learn. And the only thing we know for sure is there's going to be a lot of change over the next 10 years. Right? So, how does one get ready for that? What kind of skills are useful for that? Creativity skills, adaptability, resilience”.
One very simple hack - I have been a one-screen guy all my life - just my laptop. I am now a dual-screen guy, with my “AI Brain” on a second screen with all the tools I need on all day (ARZOPA Portable Monitor, 15.6” does the trick, or Espresso Touch for the more discerning).
In short, be a tool ninja, be resilient, be adaptable, and buy a second AI monitor.
Mark Riley, CEO, Mathison AI
Click here for a complete list of Mathison’s recommended AI education resources - courses, blogs, podcasts, newsletters and books. A personal course recommendation is The Business of AI, London Business School.
Hi
AI will be a substantial competitive advantage for those who master it. But most are still struggling with adoption because rolling out a chatbot or copilot isn’t enough to get people using it.
At Mathison AI, we are helping CEOs like you rapidly discover and prototype high-impact AI use cases tailored to your business.
We’re currently working with global and local enterprises to identify areas where AI can drive real operational value — from automation and cost savings to entirely new product ideas.
If you’re exploring AI and want a clear, low-risk way to get started, I’d love to share how we approach it through fast education sessions and hands-on prototyping.
AI and Media and Journalism
A note from Business Insider's CEO Business Insider - May 29, 2025 On May 29, 2025, Business Insider CEO Barbara Peng announced a significant restructuring affecting 21% of employees to enhance the company's focus on business, tech, and innovation journalism, while also launching new initiatives like BI Live and embracing AI advancements. The strategic shift aims to return to authoritative reporting, adapt to a changing media landscape, and build a more resilient business model. |
Business Insider Cuts 21% of Staff, Refocuses on Subscriptions, AI, and Live Journalism Subscription Insider - May 30, 2025 Business Insider is restructuring its operations by laying off 21% of its workforce, including a notable portion of its newsroom staff, to pivot towards paid content and AI integration. The company aims to enhance audience engagement through new initiatives like "BI Live" and innovative AI-driven products, focusing on sustainable subscription revenue in the evolving media landscape. |
Why Business Insider is axing 100-plus staff and who is leaving Press Gazette - June 3, 2025 Business Insider is cutting 21% of its workforce, around 100 positions, in response to a significant drop in traffic and declining ad revenue, while shifting its focus towards paid subscriptions and quality journalism. The layoffs have raised concerns about the impact on investigative reporting and editorial integrity, particularly as many experienced journalists are let go amidst leadership changes and a strategic pivot under CEO Barbara Peng. |
AI Hype Fatigue: Why Journalists Are Snoozing on Your Press Release Unite.AI - June 2, 2025 In the competitive AI landscape of 2025, emerging vendors face challenges in gaining media attention amidst a flood of industry claims, requiring a focus on specificity and credibility through measurable impact and long-term relationships with journalists. To stand out, they must emphasise data-driven results and tailor their communications to meet the demands of an increasingly sceptical media environment. |
AI-Generated Content in Journalism: The Rise of Automated Reporting The rapid evolution of AI technologies is transforming journalism by automating content generation, particularly in areas that rely heavily on data. Still, it raises significant concerns about accuracy, bias, and the erosion of traditional journalistic values. A balanced approach that combines AI efficiency with human oversight is crucial for maintaining high-quality reporting and upholding ethical standards in the evolving media landscape. |
Journalists are using AI. They should be talking to their audience about it. Poynter - Poynter's MediaWise and the Associated Press have launched a new toolkit to boost AI literacy among consumers, simplifying the complexities of artificial intelligence. This initiative aims to empower individuals with resources that enhance critical thinking and informed decision-making in an AI-driven media landscape. |
Why some journalists are embracing AI after all IBM - May 29, 2025 As generative AI reshapes newsroom operations, tools like IBM's Djinn are helping journalists uncover local stories while raising concerns about job displacement and transparency. Experts advocate for a collaborative future where AI enhances journalistic workflows without replacing the essential human elements of storytelling. |
Think AI is bad for journalism? This story might change your mind: Letter from the Editor Cleveland - May 31, 2025 Our newsroom harnessed AI to efficiently compile and summarise Donald Trump's executive orders, transforming a daunting task into a timely, nine-page story that became the most shared piece in the Sunday Plain Dealer. This project showcases how AI can augment journalistic efforts, enabling us to deliver valuable content while maintaining human oversight and accuracy. |
Lessons (and an apology) from the Sun-Times CEO on that AI-generated book list Chicago Sun-Times - May 29, 2025 In a recent controversy, the Chicago Sun-Times faced backlash after publishing a list of summer reading recommendations that included 10 AI-generated titles, raising concerns about the quality and oversight in journalism. As they navigate this incident, the Sun-Times is committed to delivering authentic journalism and has emphasised the importance of human insight, showcasing genuine literary voices amid the challenges of integrating technology responsibly. |
Journalism is not dying, it’s evolving with AI, says new study Euractiv - Concerns about AI disrupting newsrooms may be overstated, as many media organisations are integrating AI tools to enhance efficiency and support journalists rather than replace them. This technology is expected to empower reporters and improve storytelling while maintaining journalistic integrity and trust in the evolving media landscape. |
‘AI cannot be curious. It has no heart’: UNESCO Bangkok convenes journalists to debate the future of the newsroom Unesco - May 29, 2025 At UNESCO’s World Press Freedom Day 2025 in Bangkok, experts discussed the dual impact of AI on journalism in South-East Asia, highlighting both the risks of misinformation and job displacement, as well as new revenue opportunities for newsrooms. The panel emphasized the critical role of original reporting and editorial verification amid the growing use of AI tools in news production. |
New York Times-Amazon AI Deal Affirms ‘High-Quality Journalism Is Worth Paying For’ EWEEK - May 30, 2025 The New York Times has struck a groundbreaking multiyear licensing deal with Amazon to provide its editorial content for AI platforms, emphasising fair compensation for journalism. This partnership stands in stark contrast to the NYT's ongoing lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft over the unauthorised use of its articles. |
We are 100 Percent Human and Zero Percent AI The McKinley Park News has opted out of using Artificial Intelligence in its operations, citing concerns over ethical implications and intellectual property theft. By prioritising authentic, human-driven journalism, the publication aims to uphold transparency and accountability while fostering a strong connection with its community. |
It's Time To Talk About Artificial Intelligence (AI) In The Automotive Media Space The Autopian - May 30, 2025 The rise of AI in automotive journalism raises concerns about authenticity, as it can mimic writing styles but lacks the nuanced understanding that defines true human expression. While AI-generated content may produce quick results, the enduring value of personal insights and genuine voices remains crucial for engaging readers in the automotive world. |
Generative AI used to copy and clone French news media in French-speaking Africa Rsf - June 2, 2025 A recent incident of identity theft involving generative AI targeted Radio France Internationale, showcasing the risks of deepfakes and synthetic media in eroding public trust. In response, experts and organisations are advocating for technologies that authenticate content, as highlighted by the 2023 Paris Charter on AI and Journalism led by Maria Ressa. |
AI and Academic Publishing
What happens when AI takes over content management? The future might shock you The Week - May 30, 2025 Artificial intelligence is revolutionising content management in academic publishing by streamlining workflows and allowing for real-time updates, enabling professionals to focus on higher-order thinking while enhancing scholarly relevance. As traditional roles evolve and new hybrid positions emerge, embracing AI becomes essential for staying competitive in today's fast-paced, data-driven media landscape. |
Scientists Warn That AI Images May Cause Havoc in Medical Research PetaPixel - May 28, 2025 A recent study in Nature reveals that AI-generated histological images can easily deceive even trained eyes, with only 70% of students identifying real images correctly. To combat potential scientific integrity issues, researchers recommend stricter journal requirements and innovative technologies like digital lab notebooks and blockchain for verifying data authenticity. |
Merging AI and numerical analysis for next-generation rock mechanics A recent study by Shi Genhua in Intelligent Geoengineering enhances Discontinuous Deformation Analysis (DDA) by integrating artificial intelligence, enabling automated 3D modelling and improved accuracy in predicting rock behaviour, which is crucial for safer underground construction. This innovative approach combines physical data with digital models to create "digital twins," facilitating virtual testing of designs prior to implementation. |
Artificial intelligence transforming the publishing industry: a case of the book sector in Africa Frontiers - May 30, 2025 The African publishing industry is undergoing a significant transformation due to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), which enhances efficiency in content creation, marketing, and distribution. Despite challenges such as copyright concerns and limited adoption compared to other regions, publishers are increasingly leveraging AI tools to innovate and adapt to a rapidly changing landscape, particularly in educational publishing. |
DocuMark: A New Approach to AI and Academic Integrity in Higher Education Citybuzz - May 28, 2025 Enago has introduced DocuMark, an innovative platform that transforms how academic institutions manage AI-assisted student submissions by promoting transparency and ethical usage of AI tools. Developed by Trinka AI, DocuMark empowers students to take ownership of their work while easing the verification process for educators and providing valuable insights for refining academic integrity policies. |
“Science” Undermines Trust Experts warn of a troubling decline in public trust in science, exacerbated by misinformation and the politicization of issues, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. To rebuild this trust, scientists are urged to enhance communication through transparency, accessibility, and direct engagement with diverse audiences. |
This newsletter was partly curated and summarised by AI agents, who can make mistakes. Check all important information. For any issues or inaccuracies, please notify us here
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