Nine CEO Sees Growth in Publishing with New AI Laws

Nine Entertainment’s chief executive, Matt Stanton, told investors that the network still has a “good pipeline” of artificial‑intelligence deals in the works, even as the company moves to slash $160 million in operating costs. Stanton said the company is pursuing a range of AI‑driven projects that will support its digital and broadcast platforms, while simultaneously tightening its newsrooms and other cost‑intensive operations. The cost‑cutting plan is intended to free up capital for the company’s planned expansion into new technology‑enabled content services.

The announcement comes shortly after Parliament passed revised media‑bargaining legislation that will impose levies on global tech platforms that do not reach commercial agreements with Australian news outlets for the use of their journalism. Stanton said the new laws create a “world of growth in publishing” by encouraging tech firms to pay for Australian news content. He added that the company is positioning itself to benefit from the new framework while maintaining a disciplined approach to spending. The combination of a robust AI pipeline and the legal backdrop is expected to help Nine Entertainment navigate a rapidly changing media landscape.