4:05 pm - January 22, 2025
The news industry faces a crisis in its business model, but also in its core activity of journalism. We overproduce content, cling to outdated formats and ignore what our audiences really want. Here’s a manifesto for change In 1973 Tom Wolfe, the American journalist turned novelist, published a collection…...
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The rollback of the order is seen by supporters as a move to invigorate investment in artificial intelligence development. President Donald Trump has officially revoked the AI executive order implemented by former President Joe Biden, a move that many in the tech industry believe could reinvigorate investment in artificial intelligence…
A shift from FOMO to JOMO reflects Gen Z’s preference for quieter, more fulfilling activities. Gen Z is increasingly embracing a new lifestyle philosophy that contrasts sharply with the traditional “fear of missing out” (FOMO). This shift towards the “joy of missing out” (JOMO) reflects a growing trend among younger…
Survey of publishers saw declines in Q3 2024 in ad revenue and a slowdown in subs growth. Digital advertising for UK publishers declined in the third quarter of last year, according to a recent survey conducted by the Association of Online Publishers (AOP) and Deloitte. Their Digital Publishers’ Revenue Index…
The financial publisher has launched a new feature that provides summaries of news articles on its terminal. Bloomberg has introduced artificial intelligence-generated news summaries to its stories to enhance content accessibility on its terminal. This initiative builds on the company’s earlier implementation of AI-generated earnings call summaries. The new feature…
The Washington-based publication is funding its expansion through a content licensing deal. Axios is set to expand its local newsletter operations from 30 to 34 cities, a move that is partially funded by OpenAI. This initiative is part of a broader trend within the news publishing sector as it adapts…
The Competition and Markets Authority has begun a major inquiry into Google just after new powers came into effect on January 1. The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated an investigation into the search services market to evaluate whether Google maintains a dominant position that adversely affects users,…
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A federal court hearing is the first step in a case that could have major implications for OpenAI and its use of copyrighted materials. A federal court hearing that began this week may significantly shape the future of ChatGPT and its parent company OpenAI, as a coalition of news organisations, spearheaded by The New York...
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As TikTok’s future in the United States hangs in the balance, the Chinese app RedNote is experiencing a surge in user engagement, attracting creators and users alike. TikTok is on the verge of a potential shutdown in the United States on Sunday, prompting users of the increasingly popular platform to explore alternatives. In the wake of this uncertainty, a lesser-known Chinese social media app, RedNote, is experiencing a significant surge in user engagement and popularity. The app, known as Xiaohongshu in Chinese, which translates to “Little Red Book,” has jumped to the top of the Apple App Store and is…
Experts warn that the overwhelming nature of continuous news coverage can lead to vicarious traumatisation. Bad news can be bad for you. Amid a landscape increasingly dominated by graphic coverage of crises, experts are highlighting the psychological toll of constant news consumption on audiences. This phenomenon, referred to as vicarious traumatisation, occurs when individuals indirectly experience trauma through exposure to others’ suffering, especially via media channels. Research indicates that while staying informed about global events has a positive impact on individuals, the depth of emotional engagement that accompanies this awareness can contribute significantly to mental health issues. The term vicarious…
Rubin is leaving the newspaper to found a new publication focused on pro-democracy journalism. The cohort of American columnists setting up their own digital publications has a new member. Jennifer Rubin, a seasoned opinion columnist formerly of The Washington Post, has announced her departure from the newspaper to launch a new publication called The Contrarian. The Contrarian says it aims to present a pro-democracy stance rather than an anti-Trump narrative, though its standpoint is abundantly clear. In an interview with CNN, Rubin expressed a strong commitment to combating what she perceives as threats to democracy. “Our goal is to…
The Editor-in-Chief of Bloomberg News forecasts that AI will enhance journalism practices and not lead to job losses, outlining its transformative potential in a recent lecture. John Micklethwait, Editor-in-Chief of Bloomberg News, has outlined a positive future for journalism in the age of AI, predicting that it will enhance its practice and not have the...
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The picture agencies are set to merge in a deal driven by the rise of AI technologies that are reshaping the visual content industry. Getty Images and Shutterstock are poised to combine in a $3.7 billion merger, a move driven by the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence tools in the…
Around 100 employees in the business division of Jeff Bezos-owned newspaper have been laid off, reflecting its financial challenges. The Washington Post has announced significant layoffs, impacting around 100 employees in its business division, a move reflecting ongoing financial challenges faced by the renowned newspaper. The cuts, representing about…...
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The tech giant’s move is sure to spark debate about its growing influence in the publishing industry. Apple is set to enhance its News app, signalling its growing influence in the publishing industry. According to sources, the technology giant is exploring the potential to introduce the app in new…...
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The Dundee-based publisher announces a pre-tax profit of £93.8 million after previously reporting a £161 million loss. DC Thomson, the Dundee-based publishing group renowned for titles such as Stylist and The Beano, has reported a significant recovery from a £161 million loss, achieving a pre-tax profit of £93.8 million for…
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The implications of the second Trump presidency for AI regulation and copyright are becoming increasingly significant. A series of significant developments regarding artificial intelligence (AI) emerged from Washington DC as the year closed and the political landscape shifts with an administration change. On December 16, the US Copyright Office announced a delay in the release of parts 2 and 3 of its comprehensive report addressing AI and copyright challenges, which is now scheduled for this year. This decision marks a shift from an initial timeline that had set the release for the end of fiscal year 2024. The first segment…
The editorial team of the Journal of Human Evolution has resigned in protest against the publisher’s use of AI in editorial processes. The editorial team of the Journal of Human Evolution (JHE) has resigned in response to actions taken by their publisher, Elsevier, which they claim undermined the integrity of their work, notably in relation to the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in their editorial processes. In a public statement, the editors expressed their concerns not only about the publisher’s imposition of high subscription fees but also about significant changes to the editorial structure and responsibilities that they sayt…
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Publishers are among many sectors that will be affected by upcoming regulations governing subscription contracts. The UK government is seeking input from businesses regarding new regulations that will govern subscription contracts, emphasising the importance of consumer protection in the ever-evolving digital landscape. The consultation is part of the broader Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA), which aims to address issues related to automatic and recurring payments for goods, services, or digital content. According to a recent impact assessment from the UK government, about 155 million active subscriptions exist in non-regulated sectors across the UK, with consumer spending reaching…
The new online news site offers consumers access to individual articles through a micropayment system, addressing challenges posed by traditional subscription models. Content Credits has launched a new online news site called The Cincinnati Exchange, designed to showcase its micropayment platform that allows consumers to access individual articles outside the confines of traditional subscription paywalls....
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Research highlights the diminishing trust readers have in AI-influenced journalism and the need for clearer communication on the role of AI in content creation. Research from the University of Kansas suggests that when readers are made aware that AI played a role in news production, their trust in the credibility of that content tends to diminish. This research was undertaken by Alyssa Appelman and Steve Bien-Aimé, both associate professors at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, who conducted experimental studies to assess how different bylines — specifically those indicating AI involvement — affect readers’ perceptions. The…
Patrick Soon-Shiong and Jeff Bezos have spoken about how to tackle bias and restore trust in journalism. Efforts to modernise the news publishing sector in the United States have been met with both innovation and criticism, particularly in light of recent initiatives by tech billionaires Patrick Soon-Shiong and Jeff Bezos to restore credibility within their...
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The world’s oldest Sunday newspaper, the Observer, has been sold to Tortoise Media, with the Scott Trust becoming a key shareholder and promising significant investment to enhance its digital offerings. The sale of The Observer, the world’s oldest Sunday newspaper, to Tortoise Media has been agreed in principle, with current owner the Scott Trust set...
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It’s very early days but publishers are reporting promising signs from their engagement with Bluesky. Publishers are exploring the nascent social media platform Bluesky, assessing its potential compared to established platforms like X and Threads. As Bluesky experiences a surge in new users, the level of referral traffic generated by this fledgling platform remains significantly...
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Amazon introduces its AI model platform, Amazon Nova, which aims to revolutionise content creation and analysis while providing cost-effective solutions for publishers. Amazon has unveiled its new AI model platform, Amazon Nova, designed to enhance its competitiveness in the artificial intelligence sector against formidable players like Meta and OpenAI, known for ChatGPT. This initiative focuses on providing a suite of advanced tools that streamline content creation and analysis while significantly reducing operating costs. Amazon Nova comprises six distinct AI models capable of generating text, images and videos, as well as conducting document and graphic analysis. According to a press release…
The Sky News chief has been appointed as the president of the Society of Editors, succeeding Kamal Ahmed. Sky News’ Sarah Whitehead has been appointed as the new president of the Society of Editors, following her unanimous election during the Society’s annual general meeting on December 4. Whitehead, who has been with Sky since 2011, has held several significant roles, including Head of International News and Head of Home News, before being elevated to Director of Newsgathering earlier this year. Dawn Alford, executive director of the Society, expressed her support for Whitehead’s election, stating that her leadership in the industry…
Louise Holmes from Meta argues that AI can enhance creativity in the media sector, urging industry leaders to embrace the technology as a tool for innovation. Artificial intelligence is increasingly being viewed as an opportunity for creativity and productivity rather than a threat, according to Louise Holmes, director of global partnerships for EMEA at Meta....
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The communications regulator’s latest review reveals the BBC’s expansion into local journalism significantly impacts commercial enterprises, with local page views shifting towards the BBC. Ofcom’s Review of Local News in the UK has identified the BBC as a contributing factor to the challenges faced by commercial local news publishers. The communication watchdog’s report highlights how the BBC’s increased investment in local online journalism is displacing commercial page views, thereby exacerbating the ongoing decline of traditional local media outlets. The report points to significant shifts in audience behaviour, including news avoidance and changing referral patterns from platforms like Google and Facebook,…
