Media owners must be paid for their material amid growth of AI, says PM

Keir Starmer has said media outlets should have control over and be paid for their work as artificial intelligence technology transforms the economy and the UK.

- Alexandra Topping

Calling journalism the "lifeblood of democracy," the prime minister vowed to "champion press freedoms" and ensure that "the growing power of digital technology does not begin to chip away" at the ability of journalists and publishers to uphold democratic values.

In an article launching the News Media Association's Journalism Matters campaign, Starmer said AI, the creative industries and the media were central to the government's mission on economic growth, and it was working with both sectors to "balance" its industrial policy.

"We recognise the basic principle that publishers should have control over and seek payment for their work, including when thinking about the role of AI," Starmer said. This was "essential for a vibrant media landscape in which the sector's provision of trustworthy information is more vital than ever".

The apparent reassurance from the prime minister came as the Observer revealed yesterday that ministers face anger over plans that would allow AI companies to scrape content from publishers and artists.