Microsoft and OpenAI are donating $10 million to news outlets to operate AI tools

Microsoft and OpenAI announced are offering a select group of media outlets up to $10 million ($2.5 million in cash plus $2.5 million in “software and enterprise loans” from each) to trial artificial intelligence tools in the newsroom.

The first round of funding will go to Newsday, Minnesota Star Stand, The Philadelphia Inquirer.Chicago Public Media i The Seattle Times.

These facilities will receive a grant to employ an intern for two years who will work on the development and implementation of AI tools using Microsoft Azure and OpenAI credits. The program is part of the cooperation between Microsoft, OpenAI and the Lenfest Institute for Journalism, which aims to promote local media.

“While nothing will replace the central role of reporters, we believe AI technology can help research, investigate, distribute and monetize important journalism,” Tom Rubin, head of intellectual property and content at OpenAI Release, said in a press release.

Microsoft and OpenAI will make grants to three additional media organizations at a later date. Some of the applications of AI that will be explored by facilities include the operate of the technology, transcription, content summaries and the creation of a “conversational” archive search tool.