Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META, ETR:FB2A, SWX:FB) is in discussions with several major media companies, including Axel Springer, Fox Corp, and News Corp, to license news content for its artificial intelligence products, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.
The licensing talks aim to allow Meta to integrate high-quality news content from established publishers into AI-driven tools, such as chatbots across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
The deals would enable Meta to expand its revenue streams beyond advertising by using AI to produce and license content at scale, including news articles and videos, per the report.
This initiative marks a strategic shift for Meta, which in recent years reduced its focus on paying for news content and deprioritized news on its platforms.
Some discussions are still in early stages and may not result in finalized agreements, according to the WSJ.
Meta has previously pursued similar content-licensing deals, such as its agreement with Reuters in 2024.
The talks align with Meta’s broader "AI-first" strategy, which seeks to enhance its existing platforms and develop future immersive experiences using artificial intelligence.
Competitors, including OpenAI and Amazon, have also established partnerships with news publishers to incorporate licensed content into AI products.