OpenAI & Google Shake Up News Industry with AI - The Mark ...
In the April 20, 2025 episode of The Mark Cuban Podcast, host Mark Cuban discusses the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the news industry, focusing on the collaborations between major players OpenAI and Google. These partnerships are reshaping how news is disseminated, monetized, and the overall landscape of journalism.
Expansion into New Markets
One of the key points of discussion is OpenAI's recent investment in Axios, where the AI giant is funding Axios's expansion into four new markets: Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Missouri, Boulder, Colorado, and Huntsville, Alabama. This strategic move aims to enhance Axios's local news coverage through AI-driven tools.
AI-Powered News Generation
Axios utilizes AI to generate news snippets and summaries, streamlining their operations. The partnership likely involves OpenAI providing API access or AI credits to assist Axios in automating content creation for their expansion into new regional markets.
Impact on Journalism
Mark Cuban raises the question of whether journalists will become obsolete in the face of AI advancements. While AI can handle content generation, human oversight remains essential for fact-checking and upholding journalistic standards. This collaboration exemplifies how AI can complement traditional journalism, freeing up journalists for investigative reporting and analysis.
Notable Quote: "In the next phase of our work, including our latest partnership with Axios, we're focusing on helping publishers more effectively integrate our tools to benefit their missions and their business." — OpenAI Representative [20:15]
Enhancing Real-Time News Delivery
Google's new deal with the Associated Press focuses on integrating real-time information into Gemini, Google's chatbot, ensuring timely news delivery from AP's reporting.
Competitive Edge in AI News Tools
Cuban highlights the advantage Google gains in the AI space through this collaboration, positioning itself against competitors like Grok. He emphasizes the importance of real-time data access for AI models to provide accurate and timely information.
Real-Time Data Access as a Differentiator
Cuban contrasts AI models with continuous internet access like ChatGPT and Grok with those lacking such access, like Anthropic’s Claude. The ability to access real-time data enhances the competitiveness of AI tools in delivering current news.
Limitations of Offline AI Models
Cuban criticizes models such as Anthropic’s Claude for their limited internet access, leading to outdated information. This limitation hinders the competitiveness of these models in the fast-paced news environment.
Emergence of Standalone AI Tools
The shift towards standalone AI tools like Grok, with dedicated websites and applications, is seen as a strategic move to enhance user experience and accessibility.
Revenue-Sharing Models
The discussion explores innovative monetization strategies emerging from AI-news partnerships, such as Perplexity's revenue-sharing programs for publishers mentioned in their stories.
Licensing Agreements and Copyright Considerations
Cuban explains the significance of licensing agreements between AI companies and publishers for using archival content. These agreements not only enhance AI capabilities but also protect companies from copyright infringements.
Challenges in AI Content Accuracy
Despite partnerships with news organizations, AI-generated content faces accuracy challenges, as highlighted by a study from Columbia University's TOE Center for Digital Journalism.
Evolution of News Organizations
Cuban predicts a future where news organizations increasingly rely on AI for content generation, potentially reducing the need for large editorial teams with humans overseeing fact-checking.
Rise of Citizen Journalism
Anticipating a surge in citizen journalism, Cuban foresees individuals leveraging platforms like Substack, X, and Blue Sky for news publication alongside AI-driven news dissemination.
Sustainability and Adaptation
Traditional news outlets are urged to adapt to the AI-driven landscape by forming partnerships and exploring new monetization strategies to remain relevant while addressing challenges concerning content accuracy and ethics.
Final Thoughts: "This is a great new monetization method, something that they are definitely struggling with right now." [33:50]
Key Takeaways
- Strategic AI partnerships with major news organizations are reshaping news delivery.
- Real-time data access is crucial for AI models to provide accurate news content.
- New monetization models are emerging in the digital age for publishers.
- Challenges persist in ensuring accuracy and reliability in AI-generated news content.
- The future of journalism is poised for transformation with AI playing a significant role.
This episode of The Mark Cuban Podcast offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the news industry through AI partnerships, real-time data integration, and innovative monetization approaches. Cuban's perspectives provide a compelling view for entrepreneurs, journalists, and individuals interested in the future of AI in media.
