Observed Signal · Sep 23, 2026 · Policy Update · Source: Digiday · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
NYT AI licensing principles: value, sustainability, control
At the Digiday Publishing Summit, Adam Greenberg, VP of strategic partnerships at The New York Times, discussed the evolving AI content licensing landscape for publishers. He noted that AI companies now increasingly compensate publishers or allow opt-outs, but called emerging AI marketplaces 'underdeveloped' and predicted they will take time to mature. Greenberg outlined The Times' three core principles for evaluating AI licensing deals: a fair value exchange, partnership sustainability beyond one-time payments, and control over content usage. He mentioned that the partnerships team has doubled to 10 people since he joined, and cited the AI licensing deal with Amazon as an example that meets these criteria. Greenberg declined to disclose other existing partnerships, noting that few deals have been signed due to the strict conditions.
News about AI content licensing strategy by a major publisher; relevant to AdTech due to AI's impact on content monetization.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Adam Greenberg is VP of strategic partnerships at The New York Times.
- The NYT partnerships team has doubled to 10 people since Greenberg joined last summer.
- The NYT evaluates AI licensing deals based on three core principles: value exchange, sustainability, and control.
- The NYT has an AI licensing partnership with Amazon that meets its criteria.
- Greenberg says AI content licensing marketplaces are 'underdeveloped' and will take time to mature.
Connected Companies & Entities
3 Entities mappedAmazon
Global commerce, cloud, advertising and subscription platform company.
“The New York Times has an AI licensing partnership with Amazon that meets its principles....”
The New York Times
Subscription-led news publisher with premium advertising, games, cooking and sports.
“The article discusses The New York Times' approach to AI licensing partnerships, with Adam Greenberg as VP of strategic partnerships....”
Search, video, adtech and cloud giant within Alphabet.
“Adam Greenberg previously worked at Google for 14 years building ecosystems like AMP and Web Stories....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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