AI

Why The Atlantic Partnered with OpenAI

11 July 2024

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Zaker Adham

Summary

CEO Nicholas Thompson explains the decision: "AI is coming. It is coming quickly. We want to be part of whatever transition happens."

The Partnership Details

Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, recently spoke about their new partnership with OpenAI. Founded in 1857, The Atlantic is one of the oldest magazines in the United States, now owned by Laurene Powell Jobs. The agreement allows OpenAI to use The Atlantic’s extensive archives as training data for AI development.

Thompson's background in tech, having served as the editor-in-chief of Wired, equipped him with a deep understanding of AI well before it became a mainstream topic. This experience informed his decision to partner with OpenAI, aiming to navigate the media landscape's AI-driven future effectively.

Reasons for the Deal

Thompson emphasized the need to control how much of their data is used, how AI results are displayed, and ensuring The Atlantic is fairly compensated. He believes that collaborating with OpenAI offers a strategic advantage, positioning the magazine at the forefront of media innovation.

Interestingly, Vox Media, The Verge's parent company, also signed a similar deal with OpenAI. While specific details of these agreements remain confidential, Thompson suggested that they share common elements.

The Future of AI and Media

Thompson speculated that OpenAI might be preparing to develop a next-generation search product, which sparked discussions about the future of AI-powered search engines and their impact on traditional media giants like Google.

He also addressed concerns that AI companies might benefit more from these deals than the media organizations providing the data. Despite these apprehensions, Thompson believes that maintaining a degree of control and monetization over their content is crucial as AI technology evolves.