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In a frank dialogue with Intelligencer, Jim VandeHei, a pioneer in digital news, shared insights into the inevitable shift media must make towards embracing artificial intelligence, stressing that failure to do so may render them obsolete.
VandeHei has long been a leader in media modernization, having co-created Politico in 2006, which rejuvenated political reportage with its dynamic online approach. He later founded Axios in 2016 following his departure from Politico, which saw impressive growth notably during the Trump presidency and eventually sold for over half a billion dollars.
VandeHei is currently fixated on the radical changes AI is bound to bring to the news sector.
His projections for the next decade involve an AI-dominated virtual landscape, where survival hinges on the ability to pivot and innovate. His conversations with behemoths such as OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google have convinced him that their investments into AI technologies signify a significant evolution yet to be fully realized.
VandeHei posits that true journalistic craftsmanship lies in content that oozes individuality and demonstrates deep domain knowledge.
To him, the mainstream fear that AI will take over news writing is exaggerated, seeing the current capabilities of AI as insufficient for producing anything beyond generic content. His belief is that journalists with specialized knowledge will find their value amplified in juxtaposition to the advancements in AI.
The veteran media entrepreneur also champions the human elements of creativity and insight that AI cannot replicate.
Predicting an onslaught of subpar AI-generated content, VandeHei anticipates a strengthened allegiance between consumers and established sources providing authentic output, an arena in which Axios thrives.
Taking a broader view of the media ecosystem, VandeHei envisions a future where audiences are drawn to interactive experiences and platforms offering a touch of humanity tailored around their professional enthusiasms.
Although cognizant of the concerns surrounding AI’s growing influence, he is resolute in preparing for its onset, likening the impending impact to that of the digital revolution.
VandeHei advises that despite the allure of AI, media should tread carefully with dependence on tech giants for revenue and, instead, prioritize distinctive journalistic content as the key to a profitable operation.
This philosophy has guided the industry thus far, setting Axios apart not only as an industry trendsetter but also as a vanguard in securing journalism’s place in an AI-infused future.
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