OpenAI strikes first news deal in Canada
Village Media is launching an AI-powered community services tool via a partnership with OpenAI.
TL;DR
- Village Media partners with OpenAI to launch Open Door, an AI-powered community health and care navigation platform.
- Open Door connects residents to assistance programs like food relief and housing organizations.
- The tool will initially launch in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, with a directory of over 200 organizations.
- This is OpenAI's first news partnership in Canada, involving funding, API credits, and technical support.
- Village Media's content is also being cited in ChatGPT as part of the agreement.
- The partnership occurs amidst scrutiny of Big Tech in Canada, particularly following Meta's news blocking in response to the Online News Act.
- OpenAI has other investments in local news, including partnerships with Axios and the American Journalism Project.