In a first, AP signs deal with OpenAI to license news

For the first time ever, the major news agency Associated Press (AP) has struck a deal with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI to share select news content and technology, reported Axios. 

The two-year deal is one of the first official news-sharing agreements made between an artificial intelligence firm and a news agency. 

OpenAI will license some of the AP’s text archive dating back to 1985 for the training of its AI algorithms, said Axios.

Meanwhile, AP will leverage OpenAI’s technology and product expertise, said the statement.

“Both organisations will benefit from each other’s established expertise in their respective industries, and believe in the responsible creation and use of these AI systems,” it added.

According to a spokesperson, the technical details as to how the sharing will work on the back end is still under discussion. 

OpenAI's Chief Operating Officer Brad Lightcap said AP's "feedback —along with access to their high-quality, factual text archive — will help to improve the capabilities and usefulness of OpenAI’s systems.” 

AP was one of the first news organisations to use automation technology in its news report. It has used automation in corporate earnings reports, coverage of local sporting events, production processes and translation.  

It also launched an AI-enabled search tool this year, making it easier for users to search for media including photos and videos using descriptive language. 

"AP firmly supports a framework that will ensure intellectual property is protected and content creators are fairly compensated for their work," said AP's Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Kristin Heitmann. 

"News organisations must have a seat at the table to ensure this happens so that newsrooms large and small can leverage this technology to benefit journalism,” she added.