OpenAI, the renowned AI research laboratory, has announced its collaboration with the American Journalism Project (AJP), a move aimed at fostering the growth of AI in supporting local journalism. The AJP broke the news on Tuesday, revealing that OpenAI has committed $5 million to the project alongside a further $5 million in API credits.
The generous grant gives the AJP access to OpenAI’s extensive suite of AI products, marking the latest chapter in OpenAI’s ventures with media organizations. The API credits, in particular, will provide the AJP with expansive, developer-level privileges, propelling it further into the realm of AI applications.
“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,” commented Sarabeth Berman, CEO of AJP. “With this partnership, we aim to promote ways for AI to enhance—rather than imperil—journalism.”
Founded in 2019, the AJP’s primary goal is to support nonprofit news organizations. The new funding will go toward the creation of an AI studio and a dedicated team to evaluate AI applications in journalism. The AJP also plans to offer grants to other media organizations interested in the untapped potential of AI.
In a separate but related announcement last week, the Associated Press (AP) announced a similar partnership with OpenAI, granting the AI giant access to their vast news archives dating back to 1985. In return, the AP will gain access to OpenAI’s technological offerings.
Kristin Heitmann, AP senior vice president and chief revenue officer, appreciated OpenAI’s recognition of the essential role of fact-based, nonpartisan news content and its respect for intellectual property rights.
OpenAI’s recent ventures extend beyond news organizations, as demonstrated by its six-year agreement with the stock media platform Shutterstock. This deal gives OpenAI access to the extensive range of stock photos, videos, and music on Shutterstock’s platform.
Despite the enthusiasm about AI’s role in covering the news, the AJP acknowledged the technology’s potential pitfalls, including its misuse in spreading misinformation, a risk highlighted by the United Nations in June regarding AI-generated deepfakes. The world body warned that conventional strategies are no longer adequate to deal with the increasingly sophisticated misuse of AI.
AJP’s partnership with OpenAI is expected to help address these challenges and steer the course of AI in journalism towards a promising future. The collaboration presents an opportunity to chart new territory and guide the industry in harnessing AI’s vast potential responsibly.