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CNN and Google Sign Multiyear Generative AI Partnership

ai-technology · 2026-10-16

CNN has joined forces with Google to investigate generative AI solutions aimed at boosting audience interaction with its news content. On Thursday, Sam Felix, CNN's senior vice president, revealed the multiyear partnership, which is designed to create innovative ways for audiences to engage with CNN's journalism while ensuring its intellectual property is respected. CNN's articles will contribute to Google's AI responses to news inquiries, with appropriate attribution. The collaboration will also emphasize new AI functionalities and marketing strategies. This agreement comes on the heels of CNN's legal action against Perplexity AI for copyright violations. Additionally, this partnership is part of Google's initiative to enhance engagement with news publishers' websites, alongside other prominent media organizations. Implementation specifics are yet to be revealed.

Key facts

  • CNN and Google signed a multiyear partnership focused on generative AI and audience engagement.
  • CNN articles will power Google's AI responses to news-related queries, with stories credited.
  • Sam Felix, CNN's senior vice president of strategic partnerships and business development, announced the deal on Thursday.
  • The partnership includes collaboration on AI features, search experiences, internal tools and marketing initiatives.
  • CNN previously sued Perplexity AI for copyright infringement after licensing talks failed.
  • Penske Media Corporation sued Google last year over traffic declines; a federal judge dismissed the case earlier this month.
  • Google's pilot program includes Der Spiegel, El País, The Guardian, the Times of India, the Washington Examiner and the Washington Post.
  • Neither company has revealed exactly how CNN will use Google's AI to drive audiences to its journalism.

Entities

Artists

  • Corbin Bolies
  • Sam Felix
  • Isabelle Huppert
  • Sandrine Kiberlain

Institutions

  • CNN
  • Google
  • YouTube
  • Perplexity AI
  • Variety
  • Penske Media Corporation
  • The Hollywood Reporter
  • Rolling Stone
  • Der Spiegel
  • El País
  • The Guardian
  • Times of India
  • Washington Examiner
  • Washington Post

Locations

  • United States

Sources