CNN and Google have struck a multiyear partnership to help figure out how Google's generative AI products can help boost engagement with its journalism, becoming the latest news organization to monetize its content to help a tech giant power its AI models.

The deal appears to be in its early stages, as both sides have not revealed exactly how CNN will incorporate Google's AI efforts to drive audiences toward its journalism. But Sam Felix, the network's senior vice president of strategic partnerships and business development, said in a statement on Thursday the partnership would unlock  new pathways for audiences to access CNN's unparalleled journalism while being compensated for the delivery and use of our unique intellectual property in connection with AI products. 

 Google's innovation with generative AI has changed how people discover information and content, and now those tools will help us explore new ways to discover and engage audiences,  Felix said in a statement.

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CNN's deal comes months after it sued Perplexity AI for copyright infringement after both companies failed to reach a licensing deal, its first legal case against an AI company over the unauthorized use of its journalism. At the time, a CNN spokesperson said the network  actively embraces the opportunities AI creates. 

It also reflects the impact Google's AI summaries in its search engine have had on news organizations, many of which have highlighted how the responses have eaten into their web traffic. Penske Media Corporation, the parent company of Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Rolling Stone and more, sued Google last year over the decline, though a federal judge dismissed the case earlier this month.


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