In partnership with
MediaMorph Edition 105 - by Mathison AI
Magnifica Journalas
Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up here
The written-by-a-human bit
Last week, we had Pope Leo’s encyclical letter, Magnifica Humanitas, suggesting we disarm AI and that human value cannot be reduced to an intelligence benchmark. Not to be outdone, yesterday we had A.G. Sulzberger’s A.I., Journalism and the Uncertain Future of the Public Square, or Magnifica Journalas (my words, not his). The Publisher of The New York Times gave a rallying call for new organisations to stand up for their rights, do deals carefully, and explain why journalism matters.
There were parallels between the two. Both went out of their way to say that they are not anti-technology per se, and that in the age of collapsing trust, human values and judgment are needed more than ever.
Sulzberger’s speech, worth reading in full, makes the valid argument that frontier labs are willing to pay vast sums for talent, compute and electricity but less willing to pay for the vital data required. Instead, they collect data without consent or compensation. (Hence, the lawsuit the New York Times has filed against OpenAI, its partner Microsoft, and, more recently, Perplexity - the running total of legal costs so far is $20m).
He then paints a grim picture of journalism in decline, with stolen content, declining traffic, and dangerously inaccurate summaries.
At this point in the speech, he sounds like a man under his desk in the foetal position.
But he does offer some defensive actions - externally, publishers should stand up for their intellectual property rights, be judicious about deals, insist on bot identification, and join amicus briefs.
Internally, newsrooms should use AI aggressively and creatively, strengthen direct relationships with readers, focus on original reporting, and evangelise the importance of journalism.
Sulzberger has made an important intervention, with an accurate “state of the nation” summary and sound advice for remedial action. But the overall tone is one of the impossible odds, a David-and-Goliath moment.
While the Pope’s encyclical felt like a conversation starter, a flag planted before the real conversation begins, Sulzberger's feels more like the draft of an obituary, a long goodbye ending with “you’ll miss us when we have gone”.
Mark Riley, CEO Mathison AI
AI and Journalism
This week’s best articles, as chosen by HANA and our editors
A.I., Journalism and the Uncertain Future of the Public Square The New York Times Company - June 1, 2026 The rapid rise of artificial intelligence poses significant challenges to the news industry, threatening the sustainability of original journalism and exacerbating misinformation. As tech giants exploit copyrighted content without fair compensation, news organizations must advocate for their rights and emphasize the unique value of quality reporting in a landscape increasingly dominated by AI-generated information. |
AI-assisted journalism needs disclosure. Here’s mine Writers can enhance their work by using algorithmic assistance as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for their creativity, while staying informed about the tools' capabilities and seeking peer feedback to catch overlooked errors. Adopting these best practices can help avoid embarrassing mistakes and improve the overall quality of their writing. |
AI in the Newsroom: the new frontier of ethics in journalism WGCU News | PBS & NPR for Southwest Florida - May 26, 2026 Jon Greenberg of the Poynter Institute discusses the transformative role of generative AI in journalism, highlighting its potential to enhance reporting efficiency and accessibility while emphasizing the importance of ethical guidelines. As AI tools become integral to newsrooms, Greenberg stresses the need for journalists to balance technological advancements with maintaining journalistic integrity and critical thinking skills. |
New tool for journalists: MethodKit for Journalism and AI Deutsche Welle - June 1, 2026 DW Akademie and MethodKit have launched a new Journalism and AI kit, featuring 75 color-coded cards designed to help journalists navigate AI integration in their work. Available for free download, this toolkit aims to empower media professionals with structured discussions around ethical considerations and workflows, while supporting future projects in Arabic and French to enhance journalism practices in those languages. |
AI and journalism in southern Africa: editors are using it but balanced with human expertise and editorial judgement The Conversation - June 1, 2026 AI is transforming newsroom operations in southern Africa, enhancing efficiency in tasks like transcription and content preparation while raising ethical concerns that demand human oversight. Editors emphasize the need for transparency and accountability as they navigate the balance between leveraging AI capabilities and maintaining journalistic integrity. |
Pope Leo on AI, truth, journalism and democracy The Seattle Times - May 31, 2026 In his encyclical "Magnifica humanitas," Pope Leo XIV underscores the vital importance of truth in democracy and warns against the dangers of prioritizing utility over factual integrity, particularly in the digital age. He calls for an "ecology of communication" that promotes critical thought and transparency, urging families, schools, and communities to educate individuals on the responsible use of technology and AI to enhance human intellect rather than diminish it. |
Nordic AI in Media Summit 2026: A deep look into how AI is about to revolutionise the news ecosystem Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism - May 29, 2026 At the Nordic AI in Media Summit, experts discussed the transformative impact of AI on journalism, emphasizing a shift from traditional models to a more dynamic approach that caters to niche audiences while highlighting the need for media organizations to adapt and innovate. Key insights included the importance of maintaining audience engagement and trust amidst rapid technological changes, as well as the potential for AI-driven tools to reshape the news economy. |
Idaho Statesman journalists walk off the job over wages, AI concerns, and contract negotiations Idaho News 6 Boise Twin Falls (KIVI) - May 26, 2026 Staff at the Idaho Statesman staged a walkout demanding better wages and guidelines for AI use in journalism, citing concerns over credibility and rising living costs. The strike, part of broader labor issues involving McClatchy newspapers, underscores the vital role of human connection in storytelling amidst increasing reliance on technology. |
POLITICO agrees to shut down both AI tools at center of landmark arbitration Editor and Publisher - May 26, 2026 The PEN Guild has successfully negotiated the shutdown of POLITICO's AI tools following a ruling that found their use violated collective bargaining agreements, marking a significant win in labor-AI disputes. This victory includes enforceable protections against the unapproved deployment of AI that impacts job duties, ensuring accountability and ethical standards in journalism. |
Supporting innovation in journalism through responsible AI The JournalismAI initiative, led by Polis at the London School of Economics, empowers smaller news organizations to adopt AI responsibly through research and training, highlighted by the JournalismAI Innovation Challenge supported by the Google News Initiative. This program fosters innovation among participants from 11 countries, enhancing audience engagement and revenue growth while sharing valuable insights for the broader journalism community. |
Where to Invest $100,000 Right Now, According to Experts
Investors face a dilemma. When the S&P 500 finished its worst quarter since 2022 last month, diversifiers like bonds and bitcoin fell too.
Even with the turnaround in mid-April, analysts at Goldman Sachs and Vanguard have projected low-single-digit annualized returns from 2024-2034.
Bloomberg asked where experts would personally invest $100,000 for their March monthly edition.
One answer that surfaced for a second time? Art.
It's what billionaires like Bezos and the Rockefellers have privately used to diversify for decades.
Why?
Appreciation. The ArtPrice100 Index outpaced the S&P 500 overall from 2000 to 2025
Low-correlation. The postwar contemporary segment has moved independently of traditional investments like stocks since ‘95.*
Resilience. A scarce, physical, and global asset class with decades of demonstrated demand.
Thanks to the world's premier art investing platform, now anyone can invest in works featuring legends like Banksy, Basquiat, and Picasso, without needing millions.
Shares in new offerings can sell quickly but...
*According to Masterworks data. Investing involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. See important Reg A disclosures at masterworks.com/cd.
AI and Academic Publishing
This week’s best articles, as chosen by HANA and our editors
Frontiers wins two awards at the 2026 EPIC Awards for pioneering work on AI in publishing and research integrity Frontiers wins two awards at the 2026 EPIC Awards for pioneering work on AI in publishing and research integrity - May 29, 2026 Frontiers celebrated remarkable achievements at the 2026 EPIC Awards, winning a gold award for its groundbreaking whitepaper on AI in research and a silver for the "Guardians of Science" campaign, which emphasizes the importance of research integrity through storytelling and innovative digital engagement. These accolades highlight Frontiers' commitment to responsible AI usage and transparency in scholarly publishing. |
AI is eating the academic publishing industry alive, but some good might come of it In the high-pressure academic world, AI is revolutionizing research through improved data analysis and content generation, but this reliance raises concerns about superficial scholarship and ethical dilemmas in authorship. Striking a balance between harnessing AI's capabilities and upholding rigorous research standards is crucial for the integrity of academic work. |
Digital Science launches AI-Assisted Profile Curation in Symplectic Elements Digital Science has enhanced its Symplectic Elements platform with AI-powered features for streamlined research information management, including AI-Assisted Profile Curation and CV Import. These innovations significantly reduce the time spent on maintaining faculty profiles, enabling quicker data collection while ensuring user control through a review process. |
Book publishing’s AI panic is here. And nobody knows what to do about it In March, Hachette Book Group made headlines by withdrawing a controversial AI-generated book, sparking vital discussions about authorship and creativity in an industry increasingly shaped by technology. This incident highlights the challenges publishers face in balancing innovation with the integrity of literary works amidst the rise of AI content creation. |
Digital Research Publishing And AI Licensing Will Transform Academic Markets Simply Wall St - May 27, 2025 Analysts have set a price target of $66.00 for John Wiley & Sons, reflecting optimism due to growth in digital publishing and AI licensing, despite challenges from open access pressures and declining print revenues. The company has also repurchased over 5 million shares since 2020, indicating confidence in its future performance as it navigates industry trends and operational efficiencies. |
PR Roundup: When AI Fakes the Experts, Livestreamers Beat the Algorithm, and Swatch Breaks the Internet PRNEWS - May 28, 2026 A recent NBC News report reveals a disturbing trend of fake academic journals publishing AI-generated research papers using real professors' names without consent, prompting calls for better verification in academia. Meanwhile, Twitch is emerging as a leading platform for creator loyalty, surpassing TikTok and Instagram, with brands urged to rethink partnerships that foster authentic engagement amidst evolving audience behaviors. |
reviewed papers are ‘old hat science’, says millionaire investor Research Professional News - June 1, 2026 Mel Morris, CEO of Corpora.ai, calls on universities to embrace AI to enhance their economic impact and innovation, arguing that outdated academic publishing hinders progress in rapidly evolving fields. He envisions transforming universities into economic powerhouses by fostering collaboration across disciplines and bridging the gap between researchers and industry. |
This newsletter was partly curated and summarised by AI agents, who can make mistakes. Check all important information. For any issues or inaccuracies, please notify us here
View our AI Ethics Policy
