OpenAI has collaborated with Axios to support local news coverage by funding AI newsrooms in cities like Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Boulder, and Huntsville. This initiative marks OpenAI’s first direct investment in newsroom expansion as part of a broader partnership focused on content sharing and technology integration.
Axios’ content will now be available through ChatGPT, where users will be provided with summaries, quotes, and links to Axios stories. In turn, Axios will gain access to OpenAI's AI technology to explore tools for creating, distributing, and monetising journalism.
“We launched Axios Local nearly four years ago with the bold goal of bringing local news to communities across the country. OpenAI’s investment allows us to continue our expansion and aid us in bringing essential local news to deserving audiences,” Axios CEO Jim VandeHei stated.
Why is This Important?
Over the past year, OpenAI has also partnered with nearly 20 media organisations, including News Corp, The Atlantic, Vox Media, and Hearst. It will provide support to over 160 news outlets in more than 20 languages. These partnerships have enabled ChatGPT to deliver news content to its global audience of 300 million weekly users.
Transforming Newsrooms with AI
OpenAI's tools are helping newsrooms streamline processes and broaden coverage. Axios Local uses AI to expand reporting in underserved cities, while the Associated Press has improved Spanish and Portuguese translations and automated SEO headlines. The Atlantic leverages AI to explore its 167-year archive. Media firm Axel Springer’s ‘Hey_’ assistant has handled over 100 million queries since 2023.
On a broader scale, OpenAI is involved in supporting industry-wide initiatives. The American Journalism Project is helping 50 local newsrooms use AI for tasks such as analysing civic data and streamlining workflows. The Lenfest Institute provides fellowships and AI tools to support metropolitan newsrooms, while the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) Catalyst Programme has assisted 128 newsrooms globally in adopting AI for improved efficiency and storytelling.
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