New research from Pew shows that audiences have plummeted, in a startling collapse of online news readership. This decline is due to the emergence of AI-powered summary tools. The media world seems to be in a panic over this development. All the while, Amazon continues moving forward with its plans to develop a new AI content marketplace for publishers. Their platform is intended to help media companies produce and circulate more content using cutting-edge AI technology.
Another notable discovery from the study was the impactful role AI summaries are having to create summaries of articles online. Unfortunately, this trend has produced an incredible engagement black hole. AI is a growing trend among news organizations producing content summaries. To that end, increasingly lesser readers are reading original reporting which is making online traffic dry up. This massive decline presents an extreme challenge for publishers. After all, they have an uphill battle in order to build and maintain audience interest amid their digital disruption.
Amazon has in recent days been making the rounds with high-level execs at the major publishing houses. Here’s their vision for what an AI content marketplace could look like. This collaboration would give publishers the unique opportunity to tap into cutting-edge AI technology to help them improve their content creation processes. According to The Information, Amazon has already begun notifying these executives of its intentions. If passed as is, this move would indicate a seismic shift toward media companies fighting back against technology companies.
Lucas, a senior writer at TechCrunch, with an artificial intelligence and tech policy focused beat. He emphasized the impact of this new development. He noted that the study’s findings underscore the urgent need for publishers to change course. These shifts in consumer behavior are being accelerated by technology, innovation and disruption. Lucas can be found on Twitter @lucasropek and by email at lucas.ropek@techcrunch.com for deeper insight and analysis.
Amazon’s initiative certainly inspired a robust conversation. This discussion was in perfect time with a TechCrunch event on June 23, 2026, in Boston, MA. The gathering provided a platform for discussions on emerging tech trends, including the role of AI in shaping the future of media. The panelists’ main concern was the need to balance using AI efficacies while still maintaining meaningful connection with audiences.
AI is rapidly changing the media and entertainment world around us. In order to engage audiences deeply, we are called to create experiences that use technology in meaningful ways. To enhance efficiency and creativity across the entire industry, publishers themselves need to adopt new technology. They must make sure their innovations are improving consumer connection rather than harming it.
