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Technology

This Is How Meta AI Staffers Deemed More Than 7 Million Books to Have No “Economic Value”

HT @AmericanPublish As more than a dozen lawsuits churn ahead, newly unsealed case files reveal the company’s stance: The pirated books Meta used to train its AI, including ones by Beverly Cleary, Jacqueline Woodson, and Andrew Sean Greer, are individually worthless. However, “there is nothing transformative about the systematic copying and encoding of textual works, word by word, into an LLM.”

https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/meta-ai-lawsuit

Don’t like a columnist’s opinion? Los Angeles Times offers an AI-generated opposing viewpoint

The Los Angeles Times lets opinion column readers click on an “Insights” button, which serves up an opposing viewpoint via AI

https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-times-ai-opinion-insights-ca632edd01d836ec26d27e47c0169927

Will A.I. Save the News?

Artificial intelligence could hollow out the media business—but it also has the power to enhance journalism.

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/open-questions/will-ai-save-the-news

YouTube’s new AI tool generates free background music for videos

YouTube is introducing a new AI tool called “Music assistant” that allows creators to generate copyright-free instrumental tracks for their videos by entering prompts.

https://www.theverge.com/news/647422/youtube-ai-music-assistant-generator-background

Anthropic’s Claude AI just gained superpowers

It can conduct multiple interconnected searches rapidly, including your Google email, calendar, and documents. Applications range from compiling launch information to preparing for client mtgs.

https://venturebeat.com/ai/claude-just-gained-superpowers-anthropics-ai-can-now-search-your-entire-google-workspace-without-you/

ChatGPT has a section for your AI-generated images

OpenAI announced an image library for ChatGPT, so users can access their AI-generated images. There are ongoing rumours about this feature being a hint for an OpenAI social media platform

https://www.theverge.com/news/649247/chatgpt-image-library

2027 AGI forecast maps a 24-month sprint to human-level AI

The most notable prediction is that artificial general intelligence (AGI) will be achieved in 2027, and artificial superintelligence (ASI) will follow months later. AGI matches or exceeds human capabilities across virtually all cognitive tasks, from scientific research to creative endeavors, while demonstrating adaptability, common sense reasoning and self-improvement. ASI goes further, representing systems that dramatically surpass human intelligence, with the ability to solve problems we cannot even comprehend.

https://venturebeat.com/ai/2027-agi-forecast-maps-a-24-month-sprint-to-human-level-ai/

The 2025 AI Index Report

https://hai.stanford.edu/ai-index/2025-ai-index-report

‘Anxious’ AI responds well to therapy

ChatGPT responds to users’ traumatic stories by expressing fear/stress, leading to changes in behavior. Raises questions abt the emotional state of AI models, esp given the increasing use of chatbots as digital therapists

https://www.thenationalnews.com/future/2025/03/13/chatgpt-therapy-stress-anxiety/

DoorDash starts robot deliveries in LA and Chicago

https://www.engadget.com/transportation/doordash-starts-robot-deliveries-in-la-and-chicago-172358704.html

Publishing & Media

A new chapter for publishing? Book subscription services launch their own titles

HT @publishingtrend Some of book subscription businesses have decided not just to sell books, but to publish their own: In January, FairyLoot announced a collaboration with Transworld, a division of Penguin Random House UK, while last week Canada-based subscription service OwlCrate launched OwlCrate Press. #teamPRH

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/apr/16/book-subscription-services-launch-their-own-books-publishing

Resources & Opportunities

The New Fourth Estate: How Newsletters Are Reshaping Independent Media

This discussion explores how digital newsletters on platforms like Substack and others have transformed the media landscape, creating new opportunities for independent journalists and content creators. We’ll discuss the economic viability of newsletter-based journalism, the challenges of building sustainable audiences, and what this trend means for the future of news, commentary, and specialized content. Join us for insights on how these nimble, focused publications are redefining what it means to be a journalist in the digital age.

Panelists:

Marisa Kabas (Writer, Reporter, and Author of The Handbasket newsletter and website)
Jo Piazza (Bestselling author, podcast creator, award-winning journalist, and Author of Over the Influence on Substack)
Leigh Stein (Author, Writer, and creator of Attention Economy on Substack)
Kat Tenbarge (Award-winning Journalist and Writer of the Spitfire News newsletter)
Moderator: Kathleen Schmidt (Founder of Kathleen Schmidt Public Relations and Author of Publishing Confidential on Substack)

Tuesday, 4/22 12-1:15pm ET via Zoom

FREE for WMG members; $15 for non-members

https://www.womensmediagroup.org/event-6121737

Podcast Startup and Growth – Creating, Marketing & Scaling Your Show

Whether you want to start your own podcast or are already an experienced podcaster, this session will help you get started, craft compelling content, plan strategic marketing, and grow your audience. What You’ll Learn:

Craft Engaging Content – Structure episodes that captivate listeners and build a loyal audience.
Enhance Audio Quality – Use AI-powered tools to improve sound clarity and production value.
Design Standout Cover Art – Create professional visuals that make your podcast stand out.
Boost Your Podcast’s Reach – Leverage social media, SEO, and strategic partnerships.
Monetize & Scale – Explore revenue streams and sustainable growth strategies.

Join us for expert guidance and a live Q&A to get your podcast noticed and thriving! Plus, apply what you learn at this event right away with a 30-day free trial to Adobe Podcast.

4/30 via Zoom 12-1pm ET. FREE for WMG members; $15 for non-members

https://www.womensmediagroup.org/event-6129568

Taste, Talk, and Connect: A Special Night at Tsion Cafe in Harlem

Join us for a memorable evening of networking, culture, and cuisine at Tsion Cafe, the popular Harlem restaurant of chef and author Beejhy Barhany. In celebration of her new cookbook, Gursha: Timeless Recipes for Modern Kitchens, from Ethiopia, Israel, Harlem, and Beyond, Beejhy invites WMG members and friends to experience the flavors and traditions of Ethiopian and Israeli cuisine. She will be joined by literary agent Sally Ekus, Knopf senior editor Tom Pold, and writer and cookbook collaborator Elisa Ung for a discussion about bringing this unique cookbook to life.

Guests will enjoy:

A plant-based buffet dinner featuring dishes inspired by Gursha
A signature cocktail crafted from a recipe in the book
A panel discussion on the making of Gursha with Beejhy Barhany, Sally Ekus, Tom Pold, and moderator Elisa Ung
A traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony led by Beejhy Barhany
Dessert, book sales, and a signing with the author

This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow food lovers, gain insight into cookbook publishing, and learn about the culture and traditions of the Ethiopian Jewish community. All are welcome!

5/15 6-8pm ET at Tsion Cafe in Harlem. $45 for WMG members; $55 for non-members

https://www.womensmediagroup.org/event-6140428

Celebrating AANHPI Storytellers!

Hear Authors Katie Kitamura (Audition), Megha Majumdar (A Burning), Hyeseung Song (Docile), & Qian Julie Wang (Beautiful Country). 5/21 5:30-7:30pm, NYC, $15 @WMG_NYC members, $20 nonmembers.

https://womensmediagroup.org/event-6154518

Spring 2025 Virtual Book and Author Festival

On 5/8, join Penguin Random House, Library Journal, and School Library Journal for Spring 2025 virtual book and author festival, a free day-long event celebrating reading, authors, and librarians everywhere! #teamPRH

https://vshow.on24.com/vshow/PRHSpring2025/registration/19123

2025 PEN America Literary Awards Ceremony

5/8, 7:30 PM, The Town Hall NYC $12-$34

https://pen.org/event/2025-pen-america-literary-awards-ceremony/

Meeting the Moment & Staying True to Yourself: How to perfect your book pitch (in this current climate)

HT @marcelalandres Highly recommended free webinar for Latinx writers/illustrators re: how to perfect your book pitch featuring Nancy Mercado, Nicole Luongo, Saraciea J. Fennell, Adriana Domínguez, and Alex Villasante. 2-3:30pm ET via Zoom.

https://www.latinxstorytellersconference.com/launch-webinar

Applications Open for 2025-27 New York Times Editing Residency

The New York Times has opened applications for its Editing Residency, a one-of-a-kind program aimed at cultivating the next generation of editors. Residents work full time for two years across a range of desks in the newsroom. They are paid, they receive benefits and they are expected to attend dedicated training and speaker programs at The Times. Deadline 5/19.

https://www.nytco.com/press/applications-open-for-2025-27-new-york-times-editing-residency/

The Susan Kamil Emerging Writers Prize

HT @BincFoundation Are you a bookseller or comic retailer who is also an writer working on your debut full-length manuscript? Check out the Susan Kamil Emerging Writers Prize, which will provide two recipients with $12,500 (each) to support work on their projects

https://bincfoundation.org/susankamil-scholarship/

2025 Editorial Mentor Program

Are you a recent graduate looking to make their way in the wild world of content? Apply to be an Editorial Mentee! You’ll be connected to an editor, writer, or content manager who will provide insight into the industry, give feedback on job applications, and connect you to other editorially minded individuals. Deadline 5/19. Via The Talent Fairy powered by Ed2010.

https://ed2010.com/generic/what-editors-are-talking-about/apply-to-our-2024-editorial-mentor-program/