Microsoft & OpenAI are paying millions to outlets to implement AI

The tech industry seems to have decided that AI-powered developments are the future. Major improvements in efficiency and process automation helped the rapid establishment of this approach. Part of the industry’s new path is to try to promote the implementation of AI in all possible segments. Currently, Microsoft and OpenAI are paying millions of dollars to media outlets to implement AI tools.

Microsoft and OpenAI paying up to $10 million to media outlets to use AI tools

Artificial intelligence can be quite convenient for the journalism segment. It is especially efficient in tasks such as summarizing or transcribing content, to name a few examples. It also functions effectively in certain proofreading services, enhancing the quality of your writing. To illustrate this, the Microsoft and OpenAI project aims to provide newsrooms with access to the experience while simultaneously receiving funding.

Microsoft will carry out the project in rounds, selecting a few outlets in each one. The first round of the program will offer funding to Newsday, The Minnesota Star Tribune, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Chicago Public Media, and The Seattle Times. The $10 million is broken down into $2.5 million in cash and $2.5 million in “software and enterprise credits” from Microsoft and OpenAI each.

The program involves hiring an intern for a two-year period. The fellow will deploy AI-powered tools using Microsoft Azure and OpenAI credits in the media outlet. The tools are not designed to replace writers or researchers. Rather, the project seeks to develop tools that assist them and increase their efficiency.

“While nothing will replace the central role of reporters, we believe that AI technology can help in the research, investigation, distribution, and monetization of important journalism,” said Tom Rubin, the head of intellectual property and content at OpenAI. In addition to the latter and Microsoft, the Lenfest Institute for Journalism is a driving force behind the project.

Copyright lawsuits are still pending

Notably, Microsoft and OpenAI are currently facing lawsuits over copyrights on content used to train AI models. The companies have already reached agreements with some major platforms, such as Vox Media. However, there is still a list of big names seeking compensation they deem appropriate for using their content. The list includes “The New York Times, The Intercept, Raw Story, AlterNet, the Center for Investigative Reporting, and Alden Global Capital, the hedge fund behind the New York Daily News and the Chicago Tribune,” as reported by The Verge.