Atlantic CEO Nicholas Thompson talks surviving the AI era.


TLDR: Key Points

  • The Atlantic signed a deal with OpenAI to use its vast archives as training data.
  • CEO Nicholas Thompson wants to be part of the AI transition and have control over how data is used.

This article discusses the deal between The Atlantic and OpenAI, where OpenAI will use The Atlantic’s archives as training data for AI. CEO Nicholas Thompson aims to be part of the AI transition and have control over how data is used. Thompson is enthusiastic about running the product and engineering team at The Atlantic to build new products. The conversation delves into the impact of AI on media companies and the importance of maintaining the value of content in the digital age.

Full Article:

The Atlantic signed a deal with OpenAI to use its archives as training data for AI. This deal comes as AI is quickly advancing, and The Atlantic aims to be part of this transition. CEO Nicholas Thompson, who previously served as the editor-in-chief of Wired, has a rich tech background and is well-versed in AI reporting.

Thompson explains that the deal with OpenAI allows the company to train on The Atlantic’s data for two years. The agreement also includes a product partnership where OpenAI provides credits for tools built using their technology. Additionally, there is an element related to search, where OpenAI will be developing a search product in the future that may incorporate The Atlantic’s content.

Thompson emphasizes the importance of control over data usage, results, and compensation. He believes that fair compensation for journalistic content is crucial, especially in light of AI companies using data without permission. The Atlantic’s deal with OpenAI seeks to establish a fair value exchange for content.

Thompson also discusses the broader implications of AI in the media industry, particularly in relation to content commodification and the importance of maintaining quality journalism in the digital landscape. He touches on the challenges faced by media companies in a rapidly evolving technological environment and the need to adapt to changing consumer behavior and preferences.

Overall, Thompson’s approach to the deal with OpenAI reflects a strategic focus on staying ahead of technological developments and ensuring that The Atlantic remains a key player in the evolving media landscape.