Archive · 16 Aug 2026
Axios and OpenAI partner to bring AI into local journalism
Axios, a news company, and OpenAI, a company that makes smart computer programs, decided to work together for three years.
They want to use these smart programs to help write local news.
OpenAI will help 13 local newspapers and give them access to its tools.
Axios will let the smart program read all its news articles to help it learn.
Some people are worried about this.
They think it might not be fair because Axios also writes about OpenAI.
Others worry that using computers might change how news is written.
The boss of Axios, Jim VandeHei, says people should not be scared and should accept the new technology.
He even called himself an 'AI lab rat.'
Some people agree with him, but others are still worried about the future of news.
Axios and OpenAI signed a three-year partnership to automate aspects of local journalism.
OpenAI will support 13 local newspapers and provide access to its AI tools.
Axios will give the AI agent full access to its news content for training ChatGPT.
The deal has drawn criticism over potential conflicts of interest and concerns about journalistic integrity.
Axios co-founder Jim VandeHei defended the partnership, saying critics should embrace AI.
- Who
- Axios and OpenAI
- What
- Signed a three-year partnership to automate local journalism and train ChatGPT on Axios content
- When
- Recently announced (three-year deal)
- Where
- United States (local newspapers)
- Why
- To automate aspects of local journalism and integrate AI tools
Critics of the partnership
Supporters of the partnership
Journalistic integrity
Critics of the partnership
Critics fear the partnership could compromise journalistic integrity and blur lines between journalism and technology influence.
Supporters of the partnership
Axios co-founder Jim VandeHei says people should embrace AI and not be scared, dismissing 'AI deniers.'
Conflict of interest
Critics of the partnership
Axios routinely covers the technology industry and OpenAI in particular, raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest.
Supporters of the partnership
VandeHei says they try not to get distracted by what other people in the media think.
- Parties
- Axios and OpenAI
- Duration
- Three years
- Local newspapers supported
- 13
- AI access
- Full access to Axios news content for training ChatGPT
- Axios co-founder
- Jim VandeHei
- Criticism
- Potential conflicts of interest and impact on journalistic integrity