Nine and Microsoft form AI news media content agreement

Nine Entertainment and Microsoft have announced an agreement allowing Microsoft Copilot to be able to reference in real time the text of Nine’s masthead content (beyond paywalled previews) during AI searches to contextualise and ground in verified facts its outputs.

This is a first-of-its-kind deal in Australia and seeks to promote original, trusted news sources through attribution, recognition and innovation.

Copilot will display snippets, headlines and summaries and will direct audiences to Nine’s mastheads for the complete story. The agreement covers content from print publications The Australian Financial Review, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times and WAToday.

CEO of Nine Entertainment Matt Stanton said:

“We are delighted to partner with Microsoft on this agreement. As AI continues to evolve, the role of verified, premium journalism in grounding these outputs is essential.

“This collaboration is a win-win, delivering for users of AI while respecting copyright and protecting the long-term value of our intellectual property.”

Jane Livesey, President of Microsoft Australia and New Zealand said:

“AI is transforming the way Australians connect with information, and access to trustworthy sources has never mattered more.

“Our agreement with Nine will ground responses from Microsoft Copilot in trusted mastheads, giving people verified facts, a clear path to the full story, and confidence in what they read. Forward-thinking partnerships like this show how technology and media companies can work together to ensure a thriving future for Australian journalism.”

Managing Director, Publishing at Nine Entertainment Tory Maguire said the deal was a significant milestone in the relationship between Australian media companies and AI focused technology companies:

“We are meeting readers where they are, and by providing important context for Copilot we ensure AI outputs are grounded in verified facts, with an easy click through to our websites to read the full article.

“Microsoft has been a proactive, engaged partner who is committed to attribution of sources. This continues to unlock new revenue opportunities for our mastheads as the media ecosystem continues to evolve, supporting local and trusted Australian journalism.

“It means helping Microsoft connect users with more informed, high-quality information through its AI offerings while also delivering for content owners.”