The news industry is divided over how to handle artificial intelligence companies that use their content.
Some publishers are taking AI platforms to court for allegedly using their articles without permission.
Others are signing licensing deals to let AI companies use their content legally.
According to Press Gazette, this split strategy shows how complex the relationship between media and AI has become.
The Lawsuits
Several publishers argue that AI companies have been training their models on copyrighted news articles without paying for them.
One of the biggest cases came from The New York Times, which filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft in late 2023.
Other outlets—big and small—are now joining similar legal actions.
Key complaints include:
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AI models copying parts of articles without credit
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Loss of ad revenue because readers get answers directly from AI
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No control over how the content is presented or altered
The Partnerships
While some publishers are fighting in court, others are making deals.
These agreements allow AI companies—like Google, OpenAI, or Anthropic—to license news content for training and summaries.
Benefits for publishers include:
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Guaranteed payment for content use
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Visibility in AI-powered search and news products
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Opportunities for joint innovation in news delivery
For example, some local news outlets have signed with Google to appear more prominently in AI-powered search results.
Why the Split?
The difference often comes down to business models.
Large, subscription-driven outlets may see AI as a direct threat to their paywalls, while smaller publishers may view partnerships as a new revenue source.
Some experts say both lawsuits and partnerships could shape how copyright law applies to AI in the coming years.
AI Companies Respond
AI platforms claim they use content under the fair use doctrine, which allows limited use of copyrighted material for certain purposes like research and education.
However, to avoid legal uncertainty, many are now signing content deals to secure the right to use specific publishers’ materials.
How This Affects Readers
For the public, the outcome of these disputes could decide:
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Which sources appear in AI answers
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How accurate and up-to-date AI information is
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Whether AI summaries include links to original articles
If licensing deals become the norm, readers might see more citations and direct links in AI-generated responses.
Potential Future Scenarios
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Court Victories for Publishers – Could force AI companies to pay more or change training practices.
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More Licensing Deals – AI companies might sign with most major publishers to avoid legal trouble.
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Government Regulation – Lawmakers could step in to create rules for AI content use.
The Bigger Picture
This fight is part of a larger debate about the future of journalism.
As AI becomes a main source of information, traditional publishers want to ensure their work is valued and compensated.
Without fair deals, some worry that quality journalism could decline—and with it, public access to reliable news.
Final Thoughts
Whether through lawsuits or partnerships, publishers are making it clear:
AI companies must respect the work of journalists.
The balance between innovation and fair compensation will define the next phase of media in the AI era.
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