News Corp CEO Robert Thomson says AI firms aren't paying enough for content: ‘fundamental miscalculation'

Core Viewpoint - News Corp CEO Robert Thomson criticized AI companies for prioritizing infrastructure investments over content creation, labeling this as a "fundamental miscalculation" [1][4]. Group 1: Investment in Content vs. Infrastructure - Thomson emphasized that AI businesses must invest significantly in "editorial content," which he considers essential for the functionality of AI systems [1][2]. - He pointed out that without substantial investment in content, AI companies risk undermining the value of their operations [1]. Group 2: Licensing and Legal Strategies - Under Thomson's leadership, News Corp has adopted a "woo or sue" strategy, engaging in licensing agreements with companies that respect copyrights while pursuing legal action against those that do not [2][3]. - News Corp's licensing deal with OpenAI, valued at over $250 million over five years, sets a precedent for future collaborations between media organizations and AI firms [3]. Group 3: Accountability and Rights Protection - Thomson highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in the AI industry, advocating for news organizations to assert their rights proactively [6][10]. - He urged the media to continuously improve and not adopt a defensive stance, as this is not a winning strategy [8]. Group 4: Legal Landscape and Copyright Issues - A wave of copyright lawsuits has emerged against AI firms, with notable cases involving The New York Times and several other publishers [10][11]. - Thomson argued that creators of AI systems must be held responsible for the outcomes of their technologies, regardless of the complexities involved [9][10].