News Corp CEO Sees Company as AI 'Input' After $150M Meta Deal

The media giant's licensing agreement signals a strategic shift in how news organizations navigate the age of artificial intelligence.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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News Corp has struck a significant deal with Meta, licensing its content for up to $50 million a year to train artificial intelligence. This agreement, following a similar $250 million, five-year deal with OpenAI in 2024, signals a pivotal shift in how news organizations navigate the age of AI. News Corp CEO Robert Thomson frames his company as a crucial 'input' for these technologies, distinguishing between 'input companies' like News Corp that provide the raw material for AI and 'output companies' potentially vulnerable to disruption.

Why it matters

The Meta-News Corp deal highlights a growing understanding within the media industry: the value of high-quality, reliable information as fuel for AI systems. This strategic positioning allows News Corp to capitalize on the AI boom, securing revenue streams while acknowledging the transformative power of the technology. However, the industry remains divided, with some organizations opting to sue tech giants over copyright infringement.

The details

News Corp isn't simply embracing all AI partnerships. Thomson has adopted a pragmatic 'woo or sue' strategy, actively seeking licensing agreements with AI companies but prepared to legally defend its content against unauthorized use. This approach reflects a broader industry debate, with some organizations, like the New York Times, opting to sue OpenAI and Microsoft over copyright infringement. Beyond News Corp, Meta has been actively pursuing content licensing agreements with various media groups, including People Inc, USA Today, CNN, and Fox News.

  • In 2024, News Corp signed a $250 million, five-year deal with OpenAI.
  • On March 4, 2026, News Corp announced a deal with Meta worth up to $50 million a year.

The players

News Corp

A media and publishing company that owns a range of news outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The Times, and The Sun.

Meta

The parent company of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

Robert Thomson

The chief executive officer of News Corp.

Michael Miller

The executive chair of News Corp Australia.

OpenAI

An artificial intelligence research company that develops advanced language models and other AI technologies.

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What they’re saying

“News Corp is essentially an AI 'input company', chief executive says, after US$150m deal with Meta”

— Robert Thomson, Chief Executive Officer, News Corp (newsy-today.com)

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The industry will continue to closely monitor the evolving relationship between news organizations and tech companies as they navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.

The takeaway

The News Corp-Meta deal, and the broader trend of AI content licensing, suggests a potential path forward for the news industry. By positioning themselves as essential 'inputs' for AI, news organizations can secure financial stability and maintain their relevance in a rapidly evolving media landscape, but must balance collaboration and protection of intellectual property.