2023 marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in its generative forms (GenAI).

As we step into 2024, the landscape of AI — especially within the publishing sector — is set for even more transformative changes. Here are three significant trends, based on my observation, to be aware in 2024.

1. Exponential impact on business, buy or make decisions, and focus on cloud

The year 2024 is set to mark a significant transformation in our work and daily lives, largely driven by the advancement of AI. In this new era, the integration of multi-modal GenAI tools into business operations will be a key focus.

Such a change demands a highly advanced infrastructure, specifically designed to handle complex AI workloads. Here, the importance of cloud infrastructure cannot be overstated. It must offer both flexibility and scalability to meet the evolving demands of AI technologies.

Interestingly, GenAI is expected to not only benefit from but also enhance cloud infrastructure. This development highlights the critical role of AI, positioning it as more than just a technological breakthrough but as an integral component of business strategy. Many publishers will also continue evaluating what tools to make and what to buy.

2. Bridging the digital skills gap

The swift evolution of AI technology is revolutionising the newsroom and publishing industry, which presents a wealth of new opportunities while simultaneously revealing a notable skills gap. With a considerable segment of the workforce in newsrooms and media companies now utilising GenAI tools, there’s an increasing acknowledgment of the need for specific skills to ensure effective and secure usage.

To keep pace with these advancements and maintain the integrity and reliability of news dissemination, it’s essential for journalists, editors, and media professionals to acquire and refine these new skills. This not only ensures the responsible use of AI in reporting and content creation but also safeguards against misinformation and enhances the quality of news production.

The call to action is clear: It’s imperative for newsrooms and media businesses to invest in training and development, fostering a workforce that’s not only technologically adept but also ethically informed.

3. Navigating the ethical and social challenges

As much as AI promises innovation and efficiency, it also brings forth challenges like job displacement, deep fakes, and widening digital inequality. The ethical and social implications of GenAI are complex and multi-faceted. The proliferation of deep fakes, for instance, threatens our collective grasp on reality.

Addressing these challenges requires a proactive approach from both the private and public sectors, ensuring responsible development and deployment of AI technologies.

Conclusion

In summary, 2024 is poised to be a pivotal year in AI development, especially in generative forms, with profound impacts on business and the publishing industry.

Key trends include the integration of AI in business operations with a focus on cloud infrastructure, the need to bridge the digital skills gap in newsrooms, and the importance of addressing ethical and social challenges like deep fakes and digital inequality.

This year will demand a collaborative effort to harness AI’s potential responsibly, ensuring its benefits are realised while mitigating associated risks.

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