Microsoft and OpenAI are offering media outlets up to $10 million to bolster the use of AI-powered tools in newsrooms: “Nothing will replace the central role of reporters”

Microsoft and OpenAI are offering media outlets up to $10 million to bolster the use of AI-powered tools in newsrooms: "Nothing will replace the central role of reporters"

What you need to know

  • Microsoft and OpenAI are giving media outlets up to $10 million to integrate AI tools into their workflow.
  • The media outlets will also receive a grant to hire a two-year fellow to develop and implement AI tools using Microsoft Azure and OpenAI credits.
  • The AI tools won’t change the central role of reports but will aid with “research, investigation, distribution, and monetization of important journalism.”

As a seasoned journalist with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen the evolution of newsrooms from typewriters to digital platforms. The recent announcement by Microsoft and OpenAI to offer media outlets up to $10 million to integrate AI tools into their workflow is intriguing, to say the least.


There’s a diverse range of opinions about Generative AI, but the overwhelming sentiment is one of caution. Particularly in the literary world, concerns are being raised due to situations where the technology has utilized copyrighted material without permission or fair payment during its learning process.

Over the last few years, Microsoft and OpenAI have faced numerous copyright infringement claims from various newspapers and writers, such as The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Orlando Sentinel (Florida), Sun Sentinel (Florida), Mercury News, Denver Post, Orange County Register, and many others.

Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, acknowledged that creating tools similar to ChatGPT cannot be achieved without utilizing copyrighted material. However, he emphasized that current copyright laws do not explicitly forbid the use of copyrighted content during the training process of AI models.

AI will only act as an extra layer of support

Microsoft and OpenAI are offering media outlets up to $10 million to bolster the use of AI-powered tools in newsrooms: "Nothing will replace the central role of reporters"

Despite ongoing legal disputes over copyright infringement, Microsoft and OpenAI have decided to provide financial incentives to certain media organizations. These organizations could potentially receive up to $2.5 million in cash, along with another $2.5 million in software and enterprise credits from both companies. This initiative aims to encourage the widespread use of AI tools within newsrooms.

These five media outlets – Newsday, The Minnesota Star Tribune, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Chicago Public Media, and The Seattle Times – are pioneers in this novel venture. A portion of their resources is earmarked for hiring a fellow over a period of two years. This individual’s main responsibility will be to innovate and implement AI tools using Microsoft Azure and OpenAI credits as primary resources.

According to Tom Rubin, the chief of intellectual property and content at OpenAI:

Although human reporters remain crucial, we think AI technology could assist in various aspects such as research, investigation, dissemination, and even monetizing significant journalistic work.

Additionally, it’s anticipated that three more news platforms will be joining shortly. These AI-driven tools are expected to boost productivity and streamline workflow within newsrooms by swiftly transcribing and condensing content.

Earlier this year, I noticed Microsoft outlining its strategy to integrate AI into newsrooms by collaborating closely with journalists in creating practical AI tools designed to simplify research and reporting processes. Moreover, it was evident that Microsoft intended to offer a tuition-free program for journalists to learn the art of integrating technology seamlessly into their workflow.

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2024-10-23 19:39