CNN, Axios and FT Join Google’s AI News Licensing Program

Skydance’s CNN, the Financial Times, Axios and other publishers have joined Google’s news program to license their content for generative AI features and explore ways to drive audience engagement. The search-engine giant announced on Thursday that the program, which started as a pilot last year with partners like The Washington Post, now includes more than 400 publications globally.

Deal Structure and Terms

As part of these agreements, publishers will provide enhanced content rights, allowing Google to develop new AI features, while Google will pay participating news organizations for their content. Financial terms were not disclosed. Google stated that the AI features will come with clear attribution and direct links, helping readers to connect with the sources they value.

Sam Felix, CNN’s senior vice president of strategic partnerships and business development, commented on the shift in information discovery. “Google’s innovation with generative AI has changed how people discover information and content, and now those tools will help us explore new ways to discover and engage audiences,” Felix said.

Strategic Context for CNN

The deal marks CNN’s first partnership since Paramount Skydance completed its acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery. CEO David Ellison is seeking to position the combined company as a technology-driven media business. CNN said the deal is in line with its strategy to protect its intellectual property, adding that it has multiple commercial partnerships and ongoing discussions with other industry players.

The network operates television, streaming and digital news services worldwide, including CNN International and CNN Originals, as well as a direct-to-consumer subscription service and CNN Newsource.

Industry Landscape

The announcement comes at a time when publishers are stepping up legal efforts to prevent AI companies from using their content without permission to train large language models. News publishers are also grappling with declining referral traffic as search engines roll out AI-generated answers that allow users to consume information without clicking through to websites.

Why it matters

This expansion of Google’s licensing program highlights a growing trend where major media companies are formalizing agreements with AI developers to monetize content and protect intellectual property. By securing enhanced rights and payment, publishers aim to mitigate the impact of reduced referral traffic while maintaining visibility in AI-driven search results.

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Sources

• bnnbloomberg.ca: Google’s AI news program to include Skydance's CNN, Axios
• ctvnews.ca: Google’s AI news program to include Skydance's CNN, Axios

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.