Rupert Murdoch says news media industry can benefit from the emergence of AI
While acknowledging that the emergence of AI was initially seen as a threat, Rupert Murdoch now views it as an opportunity.
Rupert Murdoch believes artificial intelligence is a “force for good” that can comfortably co-exist with the news media industry.
While acknowledging that the emergence of AI was initially seen as a threat, Mr Murdoch now views it as an opportunity.
In a series of interviews to mark Monday’s 60th anniversary of The Australian newspaper, Mr Murdoch, who is chairman emeritus of News Corp and Fox Corporation, says the company’s intellectual property is extremely valuable to AI companies, and therefore it is in their best interests to sustain the news media business.
“We invest in the writing and that’s our IP, our intellectual property,” Mr Murdoch tells interviewer Paul Whittaker, who is a former editor-in-chief of The Australian and current chief executive of Sky News Australia.
“AI distributes it brilliantly. If they want access to it, we’re going to have to be paid or they’ll put us out of business.
“If they put newspapers out of business – because you can steal the stuff – then no one will collect it.”
Asked by Whittaker if he saw AI “as a force for good or a force for ill”, Mr Murdoch replies: “Oh, force for good.”
“We’ve got to settle this, but absolutely it’s a great technological breakthrough. It takes these vast quantum computers, which give answers in split seconds.
“Now it can be made to do bad things, but equally you can make things which counter that. I don’t think there’s any doubt … it’ll put people out of work.
“When it does that, it’ll create wealth and that wealth will be devoted to some new industries and new employment.”
In May, News Corp secured a landmark multi-year deal with Open AI to allow the artificial intelligence organisation to access the media company’s news content.
In announcing the partnership, News Corp CEO Robert Thomson said: “We believe an historic agreement will set new standards for veracity, for virtue and for value in the digital age.
“We are delighted to have found principled partners in Sam Altman (CEO of OpenAI) and his trusty, talented team who understand the commercial and social significance of journalists and journalism.
“This landmark accord is not an end but the beginning of a beautiful friendship in which we are jointly committed to creating and delivering insight and integrity instantaneously.”
Mr Altman said: “Our partnership with News Corp is a proud moment for journalism and for technology.
“We greatly value News Corp’s history as a leader in reporting breaking news around the world, and are excited to enhance our users’ access to its high-quality reporting.
“Together, we are setting the foundation for a future where AI deeply respects, enhances, and upholds the standards of world-class journalism.”
Whittaker also asks Mr Murdoch his view on the future of printed newspapers, and how long before they might cease to exist.
“Fifteen years, with a lot of luck,” Mr Murdoch says.
“You get on a train, take public transport, you see anyone with a paper? You see no one now. They’re reading all the facts on their phones. So if you want to reach them, and you’ve got a great label, you can charge for that access.”
The Australian: 60 Years of News, Monday 15 July 8pm AEST. Stream at skynews.com.au
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