Technology

Microsoft to Collaborate with Semafor on AI-Enhanced News

Published February 5, 2024

In a notable development for the media industry, Microsoft has announced a partnership with media company Semafor. This collaboration aims to equip journalists with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools for creating news content. Through this partnership, Microsoft intends to bolster news organizations by refining their use of AI in journalism and business practices.

Introducing 'Signals' by Semafor

Semafor is launching a new feature titled 'Signals,' a breaking news feed designed to be used in conjunction with Microsoft and OpenAI's tools. This service aspires to provide journalists with enhanced capabilities for analysis and insights on rapidly unfolding news events, allowing for more informed reporting.

Microsoft's Broader AI Collaborations

Beyond the Semafor deal, Microsoft is expanding its AI push through partnerships with several other news entities. These collaborations with the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, the Online News Association, and the GroundTruth Project are set to explore the integration of generative AI into journalism. Microsoft seeks to ensure that AI is used responsibly in news production, following ethical guidelines and proper operational frameworks.

The announcement of these partnerships with Microsoft comes amid a contentious backdrop. A lawsuit has been filed against Microsoft and OpenAI by the New York Times over the use of their content to train AI systems. The two companies maintain that their practices fall under 'fair use,' a legal contention that faces increasing scrutiny as AI's role in content creation grows.

Microsoft, Semafor, AI