CNET’s AI controversy, a possible CoinDesk sale: TBN Ticker for Jan. 20

This week dive into the world of AI-assisted writing with Talking Biz News as tech site CNET experiments (amid controversy) with deploying it online. Also check out news on a possible CoinDesk sale, and join TBN editor and publisher Lou Carlozo in an exclusive interview with Bloomberg Industry Group’s editor in chief Cesca Antonelli as she aims to take her operation to new heights.

Bloomberg all-star reaches for the stars… Talking Biz News editor and publisher Lou Carlozo talked with Bloomberg Industry Group’s editor in chief Cesca Antonelli on the company’s planned march to the top. Where others are firing, Bloomberg is hiring. Antonelli told staff members in a note: “As we move into 2023, we will substantially grow the size of our newsroom. You read that right. At a time when it seems like our entire industry is shrinking and doing more with less, Bloomberg Industry Group is making a big bet on robust journalism,”  Read this exclusive interview here for more insight.

CNET deploys AI on deadline… Connie Guglielmo of CNET writes about why the news site is using artificial intelligence in some of its writing. “The goal: to see if the tech can help our busy staff of reporters and editors with their job to cover topics from a 360-degree perspective,” Guglielmo wrote. “I use the term ‘AI assist’ because while the AI engine compiled the story draft or gathered some of the information in the story, every article on CNET – and we publish thousands of new and updated stories each month – is reviewed, fact-checked and edited by an editor with topical expertise before we hit publish. That will remain true as our policy no matter what tools or tech we use to create those stories.” Read more here.

… but how do CNET staffers feel?… Mia Sato and James Vincent of The Verge examined CNET’s recent disclosure it was using AI. Sato and Vincent write, “Internally, there has been unease among CNET staff at their corporate owners’ use of artificial intelligence — though staff was assured the current test is limited in scope. But layoffs and restructuring, coupled with the lack of clarity on the use of new tools, are causing some to worry about what the creep of AI signals for the venerated site so many journalists were drawn to.” In other words: Sounds creepy if you’re a writer, peachy if you’re an owner. Read more here.

CoinDesk to cash in?… CoinDesk Inc. has hired investment bankers at Lazard Ltd. to help it explore options including a partial or full sale, write Wall Street Journal reporters Lauren Thomas and Vicky Ge Huang: “CoinDesk’s parent company, Digital Currency Group Inc., or DCG,  has received multiple unsolicited offers north of $200 million in the past few months, according to people familiar with the matter. DCG acquired the media company in 2016 for $500,000, the people said. CoinDesk generated $50 million in revenue last year from online advertising as well as its index and events business, they said. The $13.5 billion Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, offered by CoinDesk sister company Grayscale Investments, tracks the CoinDesk Bitcoin Price Index.” Read the full details here.

A new AME in Las Vegas… The Las Vegas Review-Journal has promoted Carri Geer Thevenot to assistant managing editor for metro and business. She joined the Review-Journal in 1990, left for Columbia University, and rejoined the paper in 1991. She was promoted to assistant city editor in April 2016 and promoted again less than a year later to metro editor. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and the trust that they’ve placed in me,” Geer Thevenot said. “I think I’ve worked really hard to build relationships in the newsroom, and I really appreciate the fact that they value my judgment,”  Read more here.

CoinDesk’s parent company controversy… In other CoinDesk news, Isabella Simonetti of The New York Times wrote about CoinDesk’s coverage of FTX and founder Sam Bankman-Fried — and what that means for CoinDesk’s parent. Simonetti writes, “But now, the complications for CoinDesk are even greater. One of the businesses owned by its parent company, Digital Currency Group, a venture capital firm with stakes in numerous crypto projects, faces its own financial troubles and questions about its operations. It is part of the broader fallout in the crypto industry since FTX’s collapse. Read the full story here.

Reuters, London Stock Exchange team up… The parent of Reuters and the London Stock Exchange Group have reached a partnership to expand financial and markets coverage, primarily in India and China. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it will create new editorial roles in Reuters in the financial markets, mergers and acquisition, the energy transition, and data visualization areas. “Our new range of commitments will boost both organizations, delivering an even more valuable news file to LSEG’s customers and a superior experience to professionals around the world,” said Thomson Reuters CEO Steve Hasker. Read more here.

Nine Reach and the reach for newsletters… Nine Reach regional brands have opted for a newsletter-led approach, implying that the websites are no longer their “flagship” means of content delivery. “The new approach means that although these brands still have their own websites, the sites support the newsletters rather than the other way around. This strategy can be particularly successful with hyperlocal stories and means journalists can focus more on stories that are most relevant to a community,” Nine Reach said. No job losses are expected as part of the shift. You can access the full article at Press Gazette.

Hearst Newspapers bets on robust journalism… Call it a publicity grab if you like — and what journalist isn’t skeptical? — but Hearst Newspapers has declared its commitment to old school, hard-hitting journalism. President Jeff Johnson said, “The mission of serving the readership and holding the powerful accountable and giving a voice to the powerless – those are important statements, and we believe in them sincerely. Sometimes there are tough days in the newspaper business. Right? And you’ve got to work through that, and it helps us quite a bit to have the support of Hearst.” Read more here.

Publishers revel in leveraging TikTok… Many UK and US news outlets are increasing their followings on TikTok, according to a Press Gazette analysis. For example, as per the report, “Since May of last year, BBC News has dramatically upped its follower count from 35,200 to reach 784,200 in January 2023 – an increase of over 2000%. US-based medical news and information site, Healthline, meanwhile, has upped its followers from a smaller starting point of 1,722 to 11,100 (an increase of 545%).” You can read the full details here.

Northern Island local shutters after 155 years… Newry Reporter, one of Northern Island’s local newspapers is shutting down operations at the end of the month. In a note on social media, the outlet said: “It is with the utmost regret that the Newry Reporter has to announce that after serving our local community for 155 years, the title will cease publication at the end of this month. The last edition will be published on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Our immense gratitude to our wonderful staff, present and past, readers, advertisers, contributors and suppliers is undiminished.” Read the full story here.

Poynter Institute names first African fellow… Dapo Olorunyomi, the Premium Times publisher and founder of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, has exciting news worth sharing. He’s been named the first African Fellow of the Poynter Institute’s Media Transformation Challenge Fellowship. Other executives who have joined the fellowship include CNN’s Anika Palm, BBC’s Ravin Sampat, and Los Angeles Times’ Angel Jenning. Read more here.

An internationally top editorial appointment… News Corp. broadsheet The Australian has appointed Michelle Gunn editor in chief. She will be the first woman to take on the role in what the paper has described as a “new chapter.” An excerpt from the announcement reads, “Gunn has been described as understanding ‘The Australian’s relationship with its audience’ and will follow her two years as editor of The Australian, and eight years as editor of The Weekend Australian. Gunn will report to News Corp Executive Chairman Michael Miller, with the paper declaring she has overseen record readership at The Australian as Editor.” Read the full details here.

CNN’s new senior editor… CNN International has appointed Monica Sarkar to the post of senior editor to oversee its digital platforms on desktop, mobile web and the app, as well as manage a global team. Sarkar has been with CNN for 10 years, previously serving as senior digital producer, digital producer, writer/producer and associate digital producer. She worked at ITN and freelanced for the Guardian, the BBC, CNN, Huffington Post, ABTA Magazine and The Mail on Sunday. Sarkar graduated from the University of Westminster.

Pedestrian Group nabs Yahoo’s Michael as publisher… Youth-focused Pedestrian Group publishing has named Sarah Michael as publisher. She will join in February from Yahoo, where she serves as director of audience strategy and growth for Australia and Southeast Asia. She reported for and was deputy news editor at Daily Mail Australia. She was also a news reporter at News Corp. Michael graduated from the University of Technology Sydney.

Print plant layoffs at Boston Globe… The Boston Business Journal reported that the Boston Globe plans to lay off 30 workers at its Taunton print facility, opened in 2017, after losing a longstanding contract to print local copies of The New York Times. As per the BBJ, “The loss of the New York Times contract was first reported this weekend by Northeastern University Journalism professor Dan Kennedy. To read more in Kennedy’s Media Nation blog, click here.

Charlotte Observer growth/development reporter talks his job…  Lisa Vernon Sparks of The Charlotte Observer interviewed Gordon Rago, its growth and development reporter, about his job. When asked about the most interesting part of his job, Rago said, “That beat can mean a lot of things and I enjoy that I can mix up my coverage from writing about the moving of an historic home in Cornelius to a new tower going up in South End.” Read the full interview here.