The Washington Post CEO, Will Lewis, announced that the newspaper will begin incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) to address its severe financial challenges. The CEO informed staff that the newspaper, which lost $77 million last year, is exploring AI applications in its reporting.
Will Lewis stated, “To speak candidly: We are in a hole, and we have been for some time. This is all repairable, all doable, particularly if we do it together.”
Additionally, the newspaper’s chief technology officer said, “AI is everywhere in our newsroom.”
NewsCorp hacking scandal involving royals and celebrities resurfaces amid new UK ruling in Prince Harry lawsuit
NewsCorp’s hacking scandal from the early 2010s, involving the royal family and several celebrities, resurfaced this year. Reports indicated that Will Lewis tried to downplay the hacking scandal in light of a new UK ruling in a lawsuit filed by Prince Harry.
The announcement coincides with a deal between OpenAI and NewsCorp, allowing OpenAI to use content from NewsCorp’s properties, which include the WSJ, New York Post, and the Times of London.
Sam Altman, OpenAI CEO, commented, “Our partnership with News Corp is a proud moment for journalism and technology. We greatly value News Corp’s history as a leader in reporting breaking news around the world and are excited to enhance our users’ access to its high-quality reporting. Together, we are setting the foundation for a future where AI deeply respects, enhances, and upholds the standards of world-class journalism.”
Robert Thomson, chief executive of News Corp, stated, “We believe a historic agreement will set new standards for veracity, for virtue, and for value in the digital age. We are delighted to have found principled partners in Sam Altman and his trusty, talented team who understand the commercial and social significance of journalists and journalism.”