OpenAI donates $5 million to promote AI-driven news

ChatGPT creator OpenAI donated $5 million to encourage news publications to use artificial intelligence. The funding is part of the company’s partnership with the American Journalism Project. Moreover, their agreement includes forming an AI studio to improve implementation and regulation, making pilot investments, and offering OpenAI API credits.

Many people fear artificial intelligence will make many jobs obsolete, especially journalists. Contrary to popular belief, this technology has been enhancing the productivity of many writers. This partnership could mitigate AI risks, such as rampant online misinformation.

More importantly, it helps journalists deliver factual reporting on the Internet. This article will elaborate on OpenAI’s partnership with the news philanthropy group. Later, I will discuss the AI company’s other joint projects with Shutterstock and the Associated Press.

What is the purpose of the OpenAI-AJP partnership?

We are partnering with @JournalismProj to explore how AI tools can assist local newsrooms: https://t.co/adeKWt3jiM

— OpenAI (@OpenAI) July 18, 2023

The American Journalism Project is a venture philanthropy that supports US publications. Meanwhile, you may recognize OpenAI as the creator of the popular AI program, ChatGPT.

The latest OpenAI press release said the partnership explores “ways in which the development of artificial intelligence can support a thriving, innovative local news field.” Also, the AI company donated $5 million to the philanthropy.

“To ensure local journalism remains an essential pillar of our democracy, we need to be smart about the potential powers and pitfalls of new technology,” said Sarabeth Berman, CEO of the American Journalism Project.

“In these early days of generative AI, we have the opportunity to ensure that local news organizations, and their communities, are involved in shaping its implications. With this partnership, we aim to promote ways for AI to enhance — rather than imperil — journalism,” she added.

On the other hand, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman declared, “We proudly support the American Journalism Project’s mission to strengthen our democracy by rebuilding the country’s local news sector.”

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“This collaboration underscores our mission and belief that AI should benefit everyone and be used as a tool to enhance work. We look forward to working with AJP and its grantees, creating a valuable feedback loop, and exploring ways AI technology can bolster the work of local journalism.”

The AJP will assemble a team or “AI studio” to assess AI use cases within the local news sector. Also, the studio will benefit AJP portfolio organizations.

The venture philanthropy will provide direct grants to roughly ten portfolio organizations to help them use AI. On the other hand, OpenAI will provide up to $5 million in API credits to AJP and its portfolio organizations.

What are OpenAI’s other partnerships?

Photo Credit: venturebeat.com

The AI firm has partnered with other organizations besides the American Journalism Project. For example, OpenAI enabled the stock photo platform Shutterstock to generate images with AI.

The feature is available to all paying Shutterstock subscribers and is extremely easy to use. Enter a description of your desired image, and the website will recommend four images. Scroll down to see the suggestion to get “More AI-generated images from the Shutterstock library.”

Then, click that message to generate Shutterstock AI photos. Be careful when using this platform. Don’t post AI-generated images similar to copyrighted content, or you may face legal consequences.

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The AI company also partnered with the Associated Press, letting it train on news articles. On June 13, 2023, the Associated Press and OpenAI shared a joint statement about their latest partnership:

“The arrangement sees OpenAI licensing part of AP’s text achieve, while AP will leverage OpenAI’s technology and product expertise.”

“We are pleased that OpenAI recognizes that fact-based, nonpartisan news content is essential to this evolving technology and that they respect the value of our intellectual property.”

“AP firmly supports a framework that will ensure intellectual property is protected, and content creators are fairly compensated for their work.”

Conclusion

OpenAI partnered with the American Journalism Project to help local news outlet use AI. As a result, artificial intelligence may help global journalism adapt to digital trends.

The AJP knows artificial intelligence will inevitably become a worldwide norm for numerous sectors. Consequently, it is helping journalists use this technology.

Everyone should learn how to use this technology to prepare for the coming age of AI. Learn more about the latest digital trend at Inquirer Tech.