Why AI could spell doomsday or a big payday for publishers with Matthew Scott Goldstein
Mar 20, 2025
auto_awesome
Matthew Scott Goldstein, a seasoned publishing consultant based in New York, shares insights on the potential of generative AI in the publishing world. He warns that while AI could threaten traditional publisher models, it also presents lucrative opportunities for high-quality content creators. The discussion highlights rising concerns among publishers regarding content usage by large language models and the need for legal protections. Goldstein emphasizes the importance of collaboration between publishers and AI to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.
Generative AI poses a dual threat to publishers, risking both diminished web traffic and the potential for lucrative licensing opportunities for quality content creators.
The need for publishers to collaboratively strategize against the disruptive challenges of AI emphasizes the urgency for sustainable models that prioritize original journalism.
Deep dives
The Impact of Generative AI on Journalism
Generative AI is transforming the media landscape, causing significant concerns among publishers about the future of journalism. Many large publishers lack dedicated senior personnel focusing on this technology, leaving them vulnerable as they prioritize short-term advertising revenues instead. The potential for AI to change how news is consumed is alarming, with predictions that agents may consolidate and deliver news from various sources directly to users, bypassing publisher websites altogether. This could lead to decreased web traffic for publishers and a restructured ecosystem where traditional media outlets struggle to maintain their relevance.
The Dangers of Google and AI in the Publishing Space
The shifting dynamics of how Google incorporates generative AI into its services pose a threat to publishers, as studies indicate that AI-generated content leads to reduced clicks on publisher sites. There is a growing sentiment that Google, which has historically been seen as a partner, is increasingly harming the publishing sector by offering AI overviews that diminish the value of original content produced by journalists. Publishers are urged to take action by enhancing their content protection measures, but there is a pressing need for more legal support to navigate the complexities of potential litigation against AI companies. This raises a critical question about whether publishers can act collectively to safeguard their interests in the face of such disruptions.
The Need for Unity Among Publishers
To effectively confront the challenges presented by generative AI and the evolving advertising landscape, there is a pressing need for publishers to unite and strategize. Meetings and conferences that facilitate face-to-face interactions allow for deeper discussions and planning, which are crucial for leveraging shared insights and experiences. Existing conversations reflect a mix of concern and indifference among publishers, with many either underestimating the potential impact of AI or being paralyzed by the urgency of current revenue issues. Collaborative efforts will not only empower individual publishers but also strengthen the industry's overall position against powerful tech companies.
Future Prospects for Publishers
The future of media hinges on creating sustainable business models that fairly compensate content creators in an increasingly AI-driven landscape. The best-case scenario envisions a new system where publishers receive significant licensing fees for their original content, leading to a healthier media ecosystem. Conversely, a worst-case scenario would see publishers continue to lose ground to AI entities that extract content without fair remuneration, resulting in a perpetually weakened industry. For journalism to thrive, it must prioritize original, quality content, and both publishers and AI developers must find a way to coexist that supports the value of reputable journalism.
Press Gazette editor-in-chief Dominic Ponsford caught up with New York-based publishing consultant Matthew Scott Goldstein (MSG) to talk about the future of news in the era of AI.
How concerned should publishers be about the threat posed to their business models by generative AI?9.9 out of ten said MSG.
He explained why generative AI could spell the end of the road for publisher websites, but why it could also lead to a huge payday for the creators of quality content,