11:22 am - September 19, 2026
The New York Post and TMZ collaborate on a new daily video franchise called “The Lowdown”. The series features four one-minute segments combining journalism and entertainment reporting. Aims to expand digital reach and capitalise on fast-paced celebrity and headline news. The New York Post has entered into a new video…
Publishers must focus on proving value, trust, and usefulness in an AI-saturated landscape Transition from advertising reliance towards subscriptions and circulation income Emphasis on audience segmentation, relevance, and experiences to strengthen brand loyalty At the Indian Printers Summit 2026, organised by WAN-IFRA, speakers returned repeatedly to a single point: in…
21% of UK adults have used AI tools for news in the past year ChatGPT is the most widely used AI news source at 13% Trust in AI-generated news remains lower than human journalism One in five adults in the UK are now using AI tools such as ChatGPT to…
Reach announces strategic move towards digital subscriptions and original content Revenue drop highlights need for a new publishing approach Content strategy based on exclusivity, expertise, and emotive storytelling The surest catalyst for change in a news organisation is a crisis. When things are going well – or at least not too badly – there is always the temptation to defend what you have, rather than risk something new. At the World Cup, England showed how limiting a strategy that can be. But when your back is against the wall, you don’t have a choice – you have to do…
South China Morning Post revamps print and online platforms with a focus on analysis and visual appeal Introduction of AI tools enhances digital research and user experience Repositioning reflects long-term strategy of adaptation and globalisation in media The South China Morning Post (SCMP) has unveiled a redesign of both its print newspaper and digital platforms as it seeks to keep pace with changing reading habits and an increasingly AI-driven media environment. The revamp is aimed at making the title feel more useful to readers who want fast updates on screens and deeper context in print. Chow Chung Yan, the paper’s…
People Inc reports 11th straight quarter of digital revenue growth, driven by licensing and AI collaborations Company advocates for fair compensation from Google over search content use Transition towards less traffic-dependent revenue streams aims to power future growth and diversification People Inc said its digital business extended its run of growth in the second quarter of 2026, helped by higher licensing income, AI-related partnerships, events and social media products, even as core traffic remained under pressure from changes in search. The company reported its 11th straight quarter of digital revenue growth, with digital adjusted EBITDA rising 18% year on year…
Hearst acquires Disney’s half-share in A+E Global Media for $1.2 billion Move marks Disney’s strategic shift from linear television to streaming and sports A+E continues expansion under Hearst, strengthening international content reach and multiplatform growth Hearst has agreed to buy The Walt Disney Company’s half-share in A+E Global Media for about $1.2 billion in cash, giving the privately held media group full control of a television business that includes A&E, Lifetime and the History Channel, according to Reuters. The sale, announced this week, is expected to complete in September. Once the transaction closes, A+E Global Media will sit entirely within…
Byron Allen cuts 35% of BuzzFeed’s workforce to improve profitability Restructuring aims to shift focus towards streaming via Local Now Company plans significant cost savings and content realignment Byron Allen has begun a sharp overhaul of BuzzFeed, cutting about 180 jobs and contract roles across BuzzFeed, HuffPost and Tasty in what amounts to roughly 35% of the workforce. The reductions, disclosed in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, are the first major restructuring since Allen’s family office took control of the digital publisher in May. BuzzFeed said the move is designed to simplify operations, lower costs and…
Prince Harry and six others failed to prove unlawful information gathering by Daily Mail Court rules claims of systemic phone hacking and bugging are unsubstantiated Verdict marks a major win for Associated Newspapers and shifts legal climate for press scrutiny Prince Harry and six other high-profile claimants have lost their…
Sky agrees to a £1.6 billion takeover of ITV’s media and entertainment division. The deal aims to create a stronger UK rival to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and YouTube. Completion is expected in the second half of 2027, subject to approval. Sky has agreed a £1.6 billion takeover of…
Associated Press plans new production hub in India to focus on video and photo content US-based visual journalism teams face layoffs as part of strategic realignment Union criticises outsourcing and warns of job losses in the US and globally The Associated Press is pressing ahead with plans to build a…
CMA insists on sale of Shutterstock’s editorial assets, leading Getty to withdraw from the deal Merger collapse highlights contrasting approaches to AI-driven content markets Getty faces financial pressure following the deal’s termination amid regulatory hurdles Getty Images is set to walk away from its $3.7 billion tie-up with Shutterstock after…
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Media Concierge Group posts £12.9m EBITDA for first full period post-acquisition Integration of National World (now Iconic Media Group) has gone smoothly, boosting performance Company aims to strengthen local titles while expanding its UK and Ireland publishing footprint Media Concierge Group has said the integration of National World has gone…
Economist launches Economist Play, a $15/month multimedia bundle combining videos, podcasts, and newsletters Strategy aims to reach a younger, gender-balanced audience with mobile-first content Emphasis on newsroom authenticity through faces and voices, moving away from anonymity The Economist has launched a lower-cost subscription bundle built around audio and video, in…
Data shows games and interactive content drive deeper user loyalty. Publishers are overestimating the importance of breaking news for app retention. Investment should focus on habit-forming features to reduce churn and build routines. I used to bristle when I worked at The Sunday Times and a friend said he had…
Der Spiegel refuses to let AI write or rewrite its articles, citing responsibility and trust. Industry faces tension between efficiency and accountability in adopting AI tools. Growing concerns over accuracy, transparency, and the future role of human journalists. Whether journalists should use artificial intelligence to write stories has become one…
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Getty Images strikes a multi-year licensing deal with OpenAI The partnership enhances ChatGPT’s image relevance and trustworthiness Shares rise as Getty aims to monetise its archive amid AI-driven disruption Getty Images has struck a multi-year licensing deal with OpenAI that will allow its pictures to appear in ChatGPT’s search and discovery results, in a move that could give the AI chatbot access to a more authoritative pool of visual material. The partnership is aimed at improving the quality and relevance of image-rich responses inside ChatGPT, while keeping the arrangement limited to display rather than model training. Getty said OpenAI will…
Forbes launches Forbes Creator to leverage social media personalities New platform combines journalistic content with creator autonomy Aims to expand reach, diversify content, and develop commercial opportunities Forbes is deepening its push into creator-led distribution, using social media personalities and specialist voices to widen its reach beyond its own platforms and draw in younger audiences who increasingly consume news and entertainment through creator feeds rather than legacy publisher channels. The initiative, called Forbes Creator, was unveiled this month as a social-first network built around video, podcasts and live experiences. Forbes says the project is intended to combine its journalistic brand…
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A collaboration between human creativity and AI technology is key to creating authentic, engaging content that meets Google’s standards of expertise and trustworthiness. The creation of content that resonates with readers and also meets Google’s stringent standards has become a nuanced task. This challenge is compounded by Google’s preference for content that embodies experiences, expertise, trustworthiness, and authority—qualities summarised in the now familiar acronym E-E-A-T. It’s an environment where finding the right blend of human ingenuity and AI technology is crucial. Unlike past tendencies to stuff content with keywords, the emphasis has shifted firmly towards substance and value. In this…
Le Figaro’s management and unions have negotiated a deal that ensures journalists receive 25% of revenues from neighbouring rights, heralding a significant step for fair compensation. Le Figaro Reaches Agreement on Journalist Compensation from Neighboring Rights The management of Le Figaro, alongside prominent unions CFDT, CGC, and CGT, has successfully negotiated an agreement ensuring journalists receive 25% of the neighbouring rights revenue received by the publication. This agreement pertains to the use of Le Figaro’s content by tech giants Meta and Google. The announcement was made on Thursday, October 31. The notion of neighbouring rights was extended to digital platforms…
The new ‘click-to-cancel’ rule aims to ease cancellation frustrations, leaving subscription-based businesses under pressure to adapt to consumer expectations and regulatory changes. A new rule from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) designed to streamline the cancellation process for subscription services has sparked debate among companies relying on subscription models. Known as the “click-to-cancel” rule, it aims to eliminate the frustrations many consumers face when attempting to end their subscription agreements. This regulatory shift places increased pressure on subscription-based businesses to reevaluate and potentially revamp their payment and cancellation processes. This development comes in the wake of a survey conducted by…
South Korean OTT service provider Watcha has achieved a significant financial milestone by reaching its break-even point in the third quarter of 2024, following explosive growth in its transactional video-on-demand and webtoon sales. Watcha, the South Korean content recommendation and over-the-top (OTT) service provider, has reported a significant milestone by reaching its break-even point in the third quarter of 2024. This marks a noteworthy achievement in the company’s financial journey, having earlier secured monthly break-even status in June of the same year. With a strategic focus on profitability, Watcha has introduced innovative business models that have contributed to this financial…
Technology entrepreneur David Lawrence reveals his ambitious plan to develop Neovista, a cutting-edge city in the Nevada desert, aiming to integrate high-tech solutions and sustainable practices. Tech Tycoon Unveils Plans for Futuristic City in the Desert In a groundbreaking announcement, influential technology entrepreneur David Lawrence has revealed plans to develop a state-of-the-art city, dubbed “Neovista,” in the heart of the Nevada desert. This ambitious project aims to incorporate cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices to redefine urban living. The Neovista project is set to occupy a sprawling expanse of 150,000 acres, making it one of the most significant urban developments in…
The integration of A.I. in cinema raises ethical concerns, with industry professionals advocating for regulations while some creatives, like Tom Hanks, embrace its potential. In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, the integration of artificial intelligence (A.I.) into filmmaking has sparked both intrigue and apprehension. Over recent months, conversations around this topic have surfaced a prevailing dichotomy. Those with limited knowledge about A.I.’s potential in cinema express apprehension, fearing its possible implications. In contrast, industry professionals who are more familiar with A.I. technology express confidence in the enduring power of human creativity and maintain a healthy scepticism about A.I.’s ability to…
The Tokyo International Film Festival highlights the impact of transformational technologies and the increasing appeal of Japan as a filming location, featuring discussions on AI, virtual production, and the importance of cultural authenticity. The Tokyo International Film Festival recently served as a significant platform for the discussion of transformational technologies in filmmaking and the burgeoning appeal of filming in Japan. The Motion Picture Association (MPA) seminar, held on 30 October, gathered industry insiders to address both the promise and the challenges presented by new technologies and the logistics of on-location shooting. The seminar commenced with remarks from Edward B. Neubronner…
The French government plans to implement a rigorous monitoring system to track online behaviours, raising concerns about privacy and individual freedoms among citizens. In a significant development concerning privacy and surveillance, the government of France is set to implement a rigorous monitoring system of its citizens’ internet activities using artificial intelligence. This initiative is driven by the French State Information Service, which has recently authorised a tender aimed at developing an AI project dedicated to tracking online behaviours. This project seeks to ascertain the public’s sentiments regarding governmental activities and policies. Specifically, it will initially focus on monitoring user interactions…
The Council of Europe has launched a landmark treaty aimed at regulating artificial intelligence globally, inviting participation from both member and non-member states to promote ethical standards. New International AI Convention Seeks Global Commitment to Ethical Artificial Intelligence Development In a significant move towards unifying global efforts in regulating artificial intelligence, the Council of Europe (CoE) introduced the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law in September 2024. This landmark treaty, colloquially referred to as the AI Convention or AI Treaty, represents the first international framework aimed at ensuring the ethical development and…
At the TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 conference, Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas said his firm always cites its sources and does not claim ownership of repackaged content. At the recent TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 conference in San Francisco, Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas was in the hot seat, navigating questions about content usage and allegations of plagiarism that have been levelled against the innovative search engine platform. Perplexity has been sued by News Corp’s Dow Jones and the New York Post, who accuse the startup of running a “content kleptocracy.” These allegations suggest that the platform has been replicating content from various news sites…
