Tech Won't Save Us What Google Zero Means for Journalism w/ Matt Pearce
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Aug 7, 2025 Matt Pearce, Director of Policy at Rebuild Local News and former Los Angeles Times reporter, discusses the pressing issues facing journalism today. He highlights the impact of Google's AI reducing traffic to news sites, which threatens traditional business models. Pearce delves into the tension between tech companies and news publishers, emphasizing the need for empathy in journalism. He also explores 'Google Zero,' a scenario where news outlets lose vital referral traffic, raising concerns about the future of credible journalism in an AI-dominated landscape.
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AI's Disruptive Impact on Journalism
- AI dramatically changes both journalism production and consumption methods.
- Google’s use of AI to summarize content reduces referral traffic to news websites.
Platforms Become Privileged Publishers
- Platforms like Google and Meta are shifting from marketplaces to content publishers.
- They create walled environments, reducing traffic to original news sources and increasing use of AI content.
Understanding Google Zero Impact
- Google Zero means Google may stop sending traffic to news sites altogether.
- News outlets must find alternative audience channels as Google search referral drops.