In a recent meeting of the New York State Legislature, lawmakers and industry representatives gathered to address pressing concerns about consumer protection and safety in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). The discussions highlighted the significant challenges faced by local news organizations as they navigate the evolving digital landscape, particularly the impact of AI on journalism and the dissemination of information.

One of the key issues raised was the alarming trend of AI companies using news content without permission, undermining the financial viability of newspapers and broadcasters. Diane Schwartz, representing the News Media Alliance, emphasized that many news organizations are struggling to survive as their revenues plummet due to unfair competition from tech giants. She noted that AI systems often scrape content from news websites, even bypassing paywalls, to train their models, which directly competes with original journalism. This practice not only threatens the existence of local news outlets but also risks spreading misinformation, as AI-generated summaries can misattribute or distort facts.

The meeting also explored potential solutions to protect local journalism. Schwartz pointed to New York State's recent enactment of a newspaper and broadcast jobs tax credit program, which aims to preserve jobs in the industry while broader reforms are considered. She urged for greater transparency and accountability in how AI companies utilize news content, advocating for measures that would require notification to publishers when their material is accessed for AI training.

David Donovan, president of the New York State Broadcasters Association, echoed these concerns, highlighting the vital role local broadcasters play in providing trustworthy news. He stressed that misinformation, often propagated through AI, poses a significant threat to community cohesion and trust. Donovan called for legislative action to ensure fair compensation for news organizations and to impose liability on AI companies that misuse content.

The discussions underscored the urgent need for a collaborative approach to safeguard the future of local journalism in New York. As lawmakers consider potential state-level solutions, the focus remains on ensuring that news organizations can continue to serve their communities effectively in an increasingly AI-driven world. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further dialogue and exploration of actionable steps to protect the integrity of news media and the public's right to accurate information.