New York Times publisher warns AI companies threaten journalism's future by using content without compensation
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
A.G. Sulzberger, the publisher of the New York Times, stated that artificial intelligence companies pose a growing threat to journalism by using publishers’ content without adequate compensation. Speaking at the 77th World News Media Congress in Marseille, France, Sulzberger highlighted that AI companies benefit from journalism while weakening news organizations. He noted that the increasing use of AI-powered chatbots and search tools reduces traffic to news websites, thereby undermining the revenue needed for original reporting. Sulzberger argued that AI firms use copyrighted content from news organizations to train their systems and generate user responses, often without permission. He expressed concern that this trend could lead to fewer journalists doing expensive, difficult original reporting. He emphasized that journalism is essential for democracy and public accountability, urging news organizations to defend their intellectual property rights and advocate for stronger legal protections. Sulzberger pointed out that while technology firms pay for engineers, data centers, and electricity, they often resist paying for the content used to train their systems, which they refer to as "data." He criticized their shifting explanations for this practice, including claims of innovation, taking only facts, and invoking "fair use" or national security. He also called on media organizations to responsibly embrace AI while maintaining editorial oversight and investing in original re
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Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has announced his intention to challenge the Federal Government in court regarding its provision of newly constructed luxury houses to judges in Abuja's Katampe district. Falana, in a video shared by NewsCentral, criticized the government's action as discriminatory and illegal, arguing that extending exclusive housing benefits to judges while other public servants are excluded is unjust. He stated that he was deeply troubled by the handover ceremony, questioning the legal basis for such an exercise. While acknowledging that judges are entitled to comfortable and secure accommodation, Falana emphasized that other citizens also deserve similar consideration. He warned that the arrangement would soon face legal scrutiny, asserting that the government cannot grant such privileges to one class of officials while neglecting others. He cited university lecturers, who are poorly remunerated and lack staff quarters, and governors serving in the National Assembly, who receive multiple housing entitlements, as examples of unequal treatment. Falana insisted on the importance of equality before the law for all citizens. The housing project, which involves constructing 40 judges’ quarters, is an initiative of the FCT Administration under Minister Nyesom Wike, with some batches already commissioned by President Bola Tinubu. The project has also drawn criticism from other quarters, with some describing it as a bribe.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has stated that the Falkland Islands are British and accused Argentina of using football for political messaging after its players displayed a banner claiming the territory. This occurred following Argentina's World Cup semi-final victory over England. FIFA confirmed its independent disciplinary committee is assessing match reports to determine if Argentina violated rules against political messages on the field. The UK government, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer's administration, supported an investigation, asserting the Falklands' status is not negotiable. Downing Street reiterated that the Falkland Islands are British, and Business Minister Peter Kyle called the banner an "egregious violation" of FIFA rules, emphasizing the separation of politics and football. Badenoch, in a video on X, reiterated the British ownership of the Falklands and called for a FIFA investigation into the "very silly banner," noting that political messaging is banned by FIFA. Argentina's players unfurled a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" after their 2-1 victory over England in Atlanta, reigniting the long-standing sovereignty dispute. The Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory, have been central to competing claims for decades, culminating in the 1982 Falklands War. FIFA previously fined the Argentine Football Association in 2014 for a similar incident involving the same banner. Badenoch also criticized the Labour government's Chagos
The Federal Government has renamed the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway. Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the decision, stating it recognizes President Tinubu's long-standing vision for the project, which he reportedly conceived 27 years ago as governor of Lagos State. Umahi also disclosed that President Tinubu approved a 400-kilometer extension of the Fourth Legacy Highway, increasing its length from 700 kilometers to 1,100 kilometers, and the reconstruction of sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The Fourth Legacy Highway, originally planned to link Akwanga to Maiduguri, will now extend into Taraba State. Additionally, approval was given for the dualization of another 400 kilometers of the East-West Road, the completion of the Ibi Bridge in Taraba State, and the construction of the 5.76-kilometer Lao Bridge. These projects are part of the government's efforts to improve connectivity, stimulate economic activities, and modernize transport infrastructure across the country.