CEOs of The NYT and Atlantic Get Canndid About AI, Google Search, Kalshi, and More
Sep 22, 2026 · 31m
Summary
Nick Bilton and Meredith Kopan Levitt debate AI strategies, contrasting The Atlantic’s OpenAI partnership with The Times’ copyright lawsuits. They address Google’s impact on publisher traffic and the ethical risks of prediction market deals, emphasizing the need for sustainable, fair value exchanges. Both leaders reject the notion of a subscription ceiling, arguing that high-quality journalism remains essential in an age of synthetic content.
Topics discussed
Atlantic's OpenAI deal and the spectrum of publisher strategies
Times' stance on AI theft, lawsuits, and partnership conditions
Responding to 'deal with the devil' criticism and editorial independence
Google's impact on traffic and the need for equitable data deals
Subscription growth potential and the demand for quality journalism
Building resilience through innovation and audience engagement
Ethical concerns regarding prediction market partnerships
Rebutting the 'journalism is irrelevant' narrative
Rapid fire: AI's future, journalist numbers, and print media
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