CNN, Google Sign Multiyear AI Content Deal

On Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, CNN announced a multiyear partnership with Google under which the network will be compensated for use of its journalism in experimental AI features. Financial terms and the specific Google products involved were not disclosed. Sam Felix of CNN said, "With this partnership we're unlocking new pathways for audiences to access CNN's unparalleled journalism while being compensated for the delivery and use of our unique intellectual property in connection with AI products." He added that Google's generative AI has changed how people discover information and content, and those tools will help explore new ways to discover and engage audiences. CNN joins Google's AI news pilot alongside The Guardian, The Washington Post, Der Spiegel, El País, The Times of India and The Washington Examiner. The agreement is the first partnership announced since Skydance's merger with Paramount under CEO David Ellison. CNN previously sued Perplexity AI for copyright infringement after licensing negotiations failed. Earlier in the month a federal judge dismissed without prejudice Penske Media Corporation's lawsuit against Google over AI summaries' effect on traffic. Whether the deal includes AI model training rights or only retrieval and display remains undisclosed.