‘Existential crisis’: how Google’s shift to AI has upended the online news model

The article discusses how the rise of AI has significantly impacted the online news model, leading to a decline in traffic referrals for media sites. Key points: 1. Media sites are facing an "existential crisis" as traffic from search engines has dropped by 25-30%, according to the Financial Times CEO. 2. The shift towards AI has disrupted the traditional online news model, with AI companies increasingly using and profiting from media content without providing adequate compensation. 3. There are calls for a "Nato for news" alliance among publishers to strengthen their negotiations with AI companies and address this issue. 4. The AI revolution poses a serious threat to the sustainability of online news, as media sites struggle to adapt to the changing landscape. The article highlights the urgent need for media companies to find solutions to this challenge, underscoring the significant impact of AI on the future of the online news industry.