News Corp Positions Itself as Essential AI Input Provider

Media giant signs lucrative deal with Meta to supply content for AI training, raising questions about the future of journalism

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:59am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a futuristic data center, with illuminated cables, circuit boards, and other digital infrastructure elements in a palette of neon cyan and magenta, conceptually representing the integration of news content into advanced AI systems.As media companies navigate the AI revolution, the integration of news content as essential 'inputs' for advanced algorithms could reshape the future of journalism and its relationship with technology.NYC Today

In a bold move, News Corp's global CEO Robert Thomson has positioned the company's news organizations as essential 'inputs' for artificial intelligence, signing a lucrative deal with Meta worth up to $50 million annually. This development raises intriguing questions about the future of media and AI, as News Corp embraces AI integration in its journalism practices while other publications take a more cautious approach.

Why it matters

The News Corp-Meta deal highlights the evolving relationship between media companies and tech giants, as news organizations seek to adapt and thrive in an AI-dominated world. This partnership raises concerns about the sustainability of professional journalism, as AI integration in search engines has reduced click-throughs to news websites. However, News Corp sees its content as valuable 'inputs' that can train and improve AI systems, potentially shaping the future of media.

The details

Under the three-year deal, Meta will be able to access and utilize News Corp's US and UK content, including outlets like the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post, to train its AI products. However, Australian mastheads like the Daily Telegraph and the Herald Sun are notably absent from the agreement. News Corp has also introduced an in-house AI tool called 'NewsGPT,' though some journalists have expressed concerns about the integration of AI into journalism practices.

  • News Corp CEO Robert Thomson announced the deal with Meta in April 2026.
  • The three-year agreement is expected to last until at least 2029.

The players

News Corp

A global media and publishing conglomerate that owns a variety of news outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, the New York Post, and several Australian publications.

Robert Thomson

The global CEO of News Corp, who has positioned the company's news organizations as essential 'inputs' for artificial intelligence.

Meta

The parent company of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, which has signed a lucrative deal with News Corp to access and utilize the company's content for AI training.

Michael Miller

The executive chair of News Corp Australia, who has called for media organizations to unite against platforms seeking content for free.

New York Times

A prominent news publication that has sued OpenAI and Microsoft over the use of its content to train generative AI systems, in contrast to News Corp's approach.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

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

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The integration of AI into journalism practices and the evolving relationship between media companies and tech giants will continue to be a closely watched story in the coming years, as the industry navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by this technological shift.

The takeaway

News Corp's decision to position itself as an essential 'input' for AI systems highlights the industry's efforts to adapt and thrive in an AI-dominated world. While some publications have taken a more cautious approach, News Corp's embrace of AI integration in its journalism practices could shape the future of media, raising questions about the sustainability of professional journalism and the balance of power between news organizations and tech giants.