Axel Springer, a major news brand, has entered into a deal with OpenAI. CEO Mathias Dopfner explained that the deal is primarily focused on content delivery of stories created by Axel Springer and the remuneration for that content. This partnership is not as much about data delivery for training purposes, which could be seen as a short-term gain, but more about ensuring that Axel Springer's new and original content is properly compensated.

Axel Springer CEO Mathias Dopfner approached OpenAI for a deal after realizing that the rise of large language models (LLMs) posed a significant threat to the media industry. Having fought for 15 years for EU copyright reform and seeing the potential disruption from LLMs, Dopfner sought to establish a principle through a deal with OpenAI rather than engaging in a lengthy process of lawsuits and regulatory discussions. This proactive approach was aimed at securing a beneficial position for Axel Springer in the evolving media landscape shaped by AI technologies.

Mathias Dopfner, CEO of Axel Springer, highlighted that large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT have the potential to 'completely destroy media as we know it' or alternatively, to herald a new beginning for the industry. He emphasized that LLMs could bypass traditional media by providing users with quick answers in their preferred language, which could render many existing media practices obsolete. However, Dopfner also pointed out that if the media industry embraces LLMs, they could make journalistic work easier, cheaper, more efficient, and impactful. The future of media in the face of LLMs, he suggests, depends on how the industry adapts and integrates these technologies.

Mathias Dopfner stressed the need for a new legal framework to ensure the protection of intellectual property in the era of generative AI and LLMs. He believes that the traditional concept of copyright may not be sufficient to protect content in the face of these new technologies. Dopfner argues that without collective action to establish such a framework, the media industry could be at risk. He also mentioned that politicians are beginning to sense the urgency for new regulation, as bots have the potential to undermine democratic institutions.