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Media Morph Edition 75 - by HANA News
Why your paywall sucks
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The written-by-a-human bit
My first real brush with AI in a work setting was when the Wall Street Journal introduced a dynamic paywall in 2018, in partnership with Cxense (now Piano Analytics). It was a breakthrough in its time as it used AI to create dynamic messaging and offers based on a perceived propensity to pay. The revenue uplift in increased conversions was significant.
Since then, paywalls seem to have done little to innovate despite the advent of generative AI. I should know: now that I am self-employed, I am a serial paywall hitter—probably five a day. I see the same tired messages about the free articles used and the 40% off offers.
It frustrates me that news orgs are doing very little to strike up a conversation with me and talk me over the paywall.
Added to which data suggests that the limited traffic that does come from AI answer engines is far more engaged and has a much higher propensity to convert to a sub. One study suggests ChatGPT traffic has a 16.3% conversion rate, Perplexity 9.5%, Claude 5%, while traditional Google Organic is at only 1.7%.
All of which suggests that media companies should lay out the red carpet for these visitors and invest in their paywalls.
AI integrations can now provide insightful and fun ways to keep this precious person around for long enough to start a relationship. Innovative ideas include a chatbot that asks, “Would you like a summary before you decide?” or “Would you like to follow this author on X before you decide?” Or bring them into the kitchen to see the hours, cost and resources it took to create the very article they are looking to read.
Or, more ambitiously, an AI could offer bundles with partner publishers on the fly, or group a package of articles on similar topics as a welcome gift.
Or why not “buy the author a coffee” button for a one-off article visit, or “download this article as a PDF to share” button as an email capture?
AI could even run a 30-second video summary or podcast clip of the article while they decide.
The paywall should no longer be a static brick wall but an empathetic concierge enticing you into a private members club.
To explore this further, embed a Mathison AI team into your subs sales team for two weeks and let’s find some real ROI together.
What will we do with all that free time?
Every AI use case and app seems to carry the promise of “ x hours saved” - we are promised productivity nirvana.
Which begs the question, what are we going to do with all that free time?
This is a serious management question, as the answer informs the whole “why are we doing this AI?” question.
For journalists, the promise is that they can spend more time on meaningful, human interactions - investigative reporting or interviews.
For the CFO it might mean a headcount and hiring freeze.
Or it can mean a more balanced workday, with less frenzy and burnout.
Or there is the “fit dog theory”. I met a self-employed lawyer who uses AI and now gets an hour back a day, and hence a second dog walk. Who knew labradors were the real beneficiaries of the AI revolution?
Mark Riley, CEO Mathison AI
Hi
AI will be a substantial competitive advantage for those who master it. But most are still struggling with adoption because rolling out a chatbot or copilot isn’t enough to get people using it.
At Mathison AI, we are helping CEOs like you rapidly discover and prototype high-impact AI use cases tailored to your business.
We’re currently working with global and local enterprises to identify areas where AI can drive real operational value — from automation and cost savings to entirely new product ideas.
If you’re exploring AI and want a clear, low-risk way to get started, I’d love to share how we approach it through fast education sessions and hands-on prototyping.
AI and Journalism
Media has a trust problem. Could AI be part of the solution? AI tools like NotebookLM revolutionise journalism by organising information, enhancing workflows, and promoting transparency and accountability for readers. These innovations allow audiences to understand better the reporting process and the connections between complex topics. |
5 tips for maximising AI as a freelance journalist Association of Health Care Journalists - October 5, 2025 Freelance journalists are increasingly utilising AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance efficiency by streamlining tedious tasks while maintaining their creative integrity, although they remain cautious about issues of ethics, privacy, and over-reliance on technology. By treating AI as a supportive assistant for smaller tasks, they can focus more on creativity and analysis, provided they ensure careful guidance and verification of the AI's outputs. |
Survey: Americans ‘Concerned’ About AI’s Impact on Journalism TV Tech - October 22, 2025 At the NAB Show New York, a panel revealed that a new survey by OnMessage Inc. shows significant public concern over AI's impact on journalism, with 76% worried about AI stealing local news stories and 77% supporting legislation for protection against unauthorised use. Trust in AI-generated information is low, prompting calls for federal regulations to safeguard consumers and journalistic integrity. |
The American Journalism Project’s new “field guide” vets AI vendors for local newsrooms The American Journalism Project has unveiled a comprehensive field guide to assist newsrooms in navigating generative AI tools for editorial work, featuring practical insights and reviews of various vendors like Local Lens and Hamlet. This resource aims to empower local news organisations with informed choices on integrating technology into their reporting processes. |
Argentina’s newsrooms are leading the AI revolution, but risk getting devoured by it LatAm Journalism Review by the Knight Center - October 22, 2025 A recent Adepa study reveals that nearly a third of Argentine newsrooms are leveraging AI for tasks like writing and transcribing, but ethical concerns limit the use of AI-generated images. The report advocates for fair compensation for media content used by AI and emphasises the need for protocols to ensure human oversight and transparency in journalism. |
‘Moving the Needle Special Edition — AI, Unscripted’ Podcast: ‘Truth, Data, and AI: Journalism’s Role in Uncertain Times’ In the "AI, Unscripted" miniseries on "Moving the Needle," Derek Willis from the Philip Merrill College of Journalism discusses how to harness AI for data evaluation and truth assessment in journalism, advocating for a civic approach rooted in ethics. This series, produced by the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning, delves into the transformative role of AI in education and journalism practices. |
Elements of AI: 5 journalism principles for ethical use Technical.ly, with support from the Lenfest Institute for Journalism, has introduced a responsible AI framework for storytelling that emphasizes transparency, accuracy, and inclusivity. This initiative encourages content creators to harness AI's potential while upholding ethical standards and fostering trust with their audiences. |
AI in Journalism: How to Protect Confidential Data Bbntimes - AI is revolutionising journalism by automating tasks like data analysis and content generation, enabling journalists to focus on in-depth storytelling while personalising news delivery for audiences. However, this integration raises ethical concerns about misinformation, algorithmic bias, and potential job impacts within the industry. |
AI’s war on journalism will decide the fate of the free press Euractiv - A subtle yet significant conflict in Europe is shaping the future of journalism, as press freedom and the battle against misinformation come to the forefront. The outcome of this struggle will determine whether journalism can continue to be a reliable check on power or if it will succumb to external pressures that threaten its credibility and democracy itself. |
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AI and Academic Publishing
AI tools tackle paper mill fraud overwhelming peer review The surge in article submissions and fraudulent activities is challenging the integrity of journal peer review processes, leading to longer review times and difficulties in finding qualified reviewers. The academic community must find better systems to uphold the quality and credibility of research amidst these pressures. |
Where AI meets scientific publishing The AI Journal - October 27, 2025 AI is revolutionising scientific publishing by streamlining workflows, enhancing research integrity, and improving accessibility for diverse audiences. While it offers significant benefits like advanced detection of misconduct and automation of tasks, careful integration with human oversight is essential to maintain trust and quality in the research process. |
Less is more: Academic publishing needs ‘radical change,’ Cambridge press report concludes Retraction Watch - October 21, 2025 A recent report from Cambridge University Press calls for radical reform in academic publishing, emphasizing the need for collective action to address unsustainable practices and prioritize quality over quantity. With a focus on enhancing open access and reevaluating journal value, the press aims to foster meaningful discussions within the industry to drive systemic change and improve the health of the research ecosystem. |
How AI exposes the moral hypocrisy of academic publishing ABC Religion & Ethics - October 26, 2025 The rise of AI in the humanities presents a dual challenge: it undermines academic integrity as students turn to tools like ChatGPT, while also exploiting scholars' work for profit without consent, raising ethical concerns about the future of scholarly contributions. As traditional models falter, the field must reimagine a collaborative and transparent ecosystem that addresses these pressing issues. |
Impersonation Scandals Shake Academic Publishing The Scientist - October 25, 2025 Ariel Karlinsky and Mohamed Shaaban, both researchers, faced alarming incidents of identity theft in academia, where fraudsters submitted papers under their names without consent, leading to retractions and concerns about reputational damage. These cases underscore the growing issue of academic impersonation and its potential long-term impact on scholars' careers. |
AI Created Junk About Telepathy, Aliens. An American Science Journal Published It Forbes - October 20, 2025 A Dutch journalist's satirical paper on telepathy, created with ChatGPT, was surprisingly published in a scientific journal, exposing the alarming rise of AI-generated content threatening academic integrity. With paper mills in China mass-producing fraudulent research, the credibility of academic publishing is at risk, raising urgent concerns about the quality and reliability of scholarly work. |
Major Academic Press Calls for ‘Publish or Perish’ Reform Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs - October 22, 2025 Cambridge University Press calls for urgent reform in the academic publishing ecosystem, citing a survey revealing that only 32% of researchers believe the current system can meet future challenges. The report highlights the detrimental effects of the "publish-or-perish" culture and advocates for a shift towards valuing research quality over quantity, emphasizing the need for new metrics and recognition of diverse contributions in academia. |
Pressing matters: A Q&A with new Yale University Press director Niko Pfund Yale News - October 24, 2025 Niko Pfund has taken the helm at Yale University Press, emphasizing the importance of nurturing authors and adapting to the evolving publishing landscape while maintaining a commitment to academic integrity. With initiatives like digitizing their catalog and leveraging technology, Pfund aims to enhance the visibility of Yale's scholarly contributions amidst the challenges posed by digital media and changing consumer behaviors. |
Academic Funding, Academic Publishing, and Academic Freedom: An African Conundrum Conditionalities imposed on African universities often compromise academic freedom, undermining critical thinking and innovation by restricting research and dictating curricula. To foster genuine academic independence, it's crucial for these institutions to advocate for policies that enhance autonomy and resist external pressures. |
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
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