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MediaMorph Edition 77 - by HANA News
Good AI vs. Bad AI - which bucket are you in?
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The written-by-a-human bit
Much continues to be written and debated about AI in the newsroom, with a piece this week in the New York Times weighing the advantages of speed and efficiency against integrity and accountability.
Even the Pope weighed in this week, asking AI builders at the Builders AI Forum 2025 to "cultivate moral discernment" in their work and "develop systems that reflect justice, solidarity, and a reverence for life".
The longer-term existential risk debate seems to have been replaced by the more pressing concerns of everyday AI applications and real-life impacts (many of which I address in my book The AI Prophet - A Human Survival Guide for the Coming Machine Age).
Meanwhile, we have three quarterly earnings reports this month that tell a slightly different story.
Snap Inc. announced some reassuring numbers and a $400m strategic partnership with Perplexity, and their share price popped 18% to 25% on the news.
News Corp beat estimates, announced that AI-driven content licensing deals have contributed to expanding digital revenues, and flagged some AI-related digital transformation, while having a dig at some AI companies for devaluing intellectual property — the share price was broadly flat.
Finally, Rightmove came out of the gate with all AI guns blazing, announcing plans for 27 AI-related projects costing around £18m to increase “efficiency, speed and value”. Their share price collapsed 27% or £1.4bn in market cap on the day of the announcement.
So what is going on here? Short-termism for sure, but it seems that “AI for efficiencies” is losing its shine.
I have been arguing for a while that AI needs to move out of the “efficiency bucket” into the “new revenue bucket”. I ask my clients to think of AI as a new venture enabler, rather than just a cost-cutter.
In fact, if you try to sell AI as just a cost/headcount cutter to your colleagues and clients, you will get burned. Ask Duolingo, Spotify, Box and Fiverr.
Moreover, the global bet on AI will not pay off if it's purely an efficiency play—the numbers just aren’t there unless we're willing to accept 50% white-collar layoffs.
My more ambitious clients are asking how to bake AI into new products and ventures, and how AI can open up new markets. How can AI increase trust, brand loyalty, engagement and subscriber conversion?
Case in point - hats off to TIME Inc. for launching their new TIME AI Agent
AI for efficiencies and speed has a role, but is increasingly seen in the “bad bucket”. AI for incremental revenue and brand new ventures is in the “good bucket” — which one are you?
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 Media and Journalism
A.I. Sweeps Through Newsrooms, but Is It a Journalist or a Tool? Nytimes - In 2023, Ryan Sabalow highlighted a trend among California lawmakers who are increasingly using TikTok and other social media platforms to connect with younger constituents, adapting their communication strategies to the video-centric preferences of modern audiences. This shift enhances outreach but also raises concerns about misinformation and the necessity for authenticity in political messaging. |
Inside the quiet takeover of local journalism by AI Generative AI, particularly since the arrival of ChatGPT, has revolutionized editorial operations by enhancing productivity and streamlining workflows in content creation. While it offers exciting opportunities for efficiency and creativity, it also raises important questions about authenticity and the evolving role of human writers. |
Madison media organisations weigh ethical AI usage in journalism Madison media organisations weigh ethical AI usage in journalism - The Daily Cardinal - November 7, 2025 Local journalists are cautiously embracing AI tools like Otter.ai for tasks such as transcription and headline generation, but ethical concerns about reliability and misuse remain. Experts stress the need for tailored training and responsible policies to ensure that AI enhances journalistic integrity rather than undermining it. |
Business Insider attempts AI reporter, human journalists push back Business Insider's introduction of an AI-generated "author" has sparked significant backlash from journalists, raising concerns about the impact on journalistic standards and authenticity. This controversial move has ignited a broader debate about the ethical implications of AI in media and its potential consequences for both writers and readers. |
Letter from Exec: AI is not compatible with journalism The Executive Board of the Old Gold & Black asserts that AI has no place in student journalism, as it undermines the essential human connection and unique stories that define authentic reporting. They emphasise the importance of genuine engagement and learning experiences for student journalists, advocating for narratives that truly reflect the voices of the Wake Forest community. |
How AI might help nonprofits UC News - November 7, 2025 University of Cincinnati Professor Victoria LaPoe is exploring how journalism intersects with nonprofit fundraising in animal adoption, revealing that while AI-generated content can aid communication strategies, traditional imagery often evokes stronger emotional connections that drive donations. Her research highlights the importance of authentic storytelling and audience engagement in successful fundraising efforts. |
Spring 2026 electives span sports, K-pop, AI and more Usc - This spring, USC Annenberg offers a dynamic selection of electives for media, communication, and technology students, featuring courses on AI's role in journalism, the creator economy, and diversity in Hollywood. Engage in hands-on projects and collaborate with industry experts while exploring topics ranging from sports PR to the transformative power of storytelling in major events like the Special Olympics 2026 USA Games. |
The Story Behind the TIME AI Agent TIME - November 10, 2025 The TIME AI Agent embodies the values of accuracy, transparency, and accountability in journalism, featuring robust data governance and strict editorial guidelines. This innovative tool, developed in partnership with Scale AI, enhances personalized engagement while safeguarding against harmful prompts, ensuring a reliable experience for global audiences. |
LSU Manship professor talks AI research, use in newsrooms Reveille - November 10, 2025 Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing journalism, enhancing reporting efficiency while necessitating human oversight, according to LSU's Nihar Sreepada. Major news organizations are leveraging AI for data-driven storytelling, but experts caution that AI outputs must be treated as unverified material that requires careful fact-checking and editing. |
AI's Newsroom Revolution: Reporter or Risky Assistant? WebProNews - November 10, 2025 The integration of AI in journalism presents both exciting opportunities and significant ethical challenges, as highlighted by concerns over accuracy, bias, and job displacement. As major publications embrace AI tools for efficiency, experts call for robust policies and a collaborative approach to ensure that trust and integrity in reporting are preserved. |
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AI and Academic Publishing
Stop doing peer reviews for free KevinMD.com - November 8, 2025 The academic publishing industry exploits unpaid faculty reviewers, who contribute their expertise without compensation while journals profit from hefty article processing fees. To challenge this system, academics must recognise peer review as unpaid labour and collectively refuse to participate, disrupting the status quo that relies on their voluntary contributions. |
arXiv Mandates Peer Review for CS Papers Amid AI WebProNews - November 3, 2025 arXiv has introduced new submission guidelines requiring peer-reviewed papers to combat the influx of low-quality AI-generated content, sparking debate about the potential impact on innovation and accessibility for independent researchers. As concerns about authenticity in scientific communication rise, experts advocate for advanced detection tools and transparency regarding generative tool usage. |
arXiv Changes Rules After Getting Spammed With AI-Generated 'Research' Papers 404 Media - November 3, 2025 arXiv has announced a strict ban on review articles and position papers in the Computer Science category, particularly due to the influx of low-quality AI-generated submissions. This measure aims to enhance the quality of content while requiring authors to provide proof of peer review for their work to be considered. |
Helping K-12 schools navigate the complex world of AI MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology - November 3, 2025 MIT associate professor Justin Reich has released "A Guide to AI in Schools: Perspectives for the Perplexed," a resource designed to help K-12 educators thoughtfully navigate the challenges of integrating generative AI in classrooms. The guide, developed with input from over 100 students and teachers, emphasizes humility and open discussion as schools confront issues like academic integrity and data privacy amid the evolving landscape of educational technology. |
10 Best Online Academic Research Tools and Resources 2025 Discover the top online academic research resources, including Google Scholar, JSTOR, and PubMed Central, that can simplify your search for reliable information. Don't overlook the invaluable support from your university library and academic advisors, who can enhance your research experience and open doors to future opportunities. |
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