In today’s Digest, we discuss Google adding Gemini to Chrome and striking a multi-year AI partnership with PayPal, AI search threatening the survival of independent publishers, and UK broadcaster bosses dismissing merger speculation.

Google adds Gemini to Chrome and strikes multi-year AI partnership with PayPal

Google is bringing its Gemini AI to Chrome for US users, adding chatbot and research tools to the world’s most popular browser. The company is also developing cursor-controlling “agentic” tools slated for future releases. 

The move comes just weeks after a Washington judge spared Google from a forced breakup in its search antitrust case, though the company was ordered to share search data with rivals to boost competition.

Meanwhile, Google and PayPal have entered a multi-year partnership to build AI-powered shopping experiences. Under the deal, PayPal’s solutions will be integrated across Google’s products, while the company also works with Google Cloud to strengthen its infrastructure.

AI search threatens survival of independent publishers

Following on from Google’s AI-related updates to search,  these tools could force a third of Independent Publishers Alliance members to shut down within the next year as traffic is siphoned away from news sites, a board member has warned. 

Chris Dicker, CEO of Candr Media Group, told The Media Leader: “We’ve already seen some shut already. The lay-offs are happening as we speak. I know numerous companies that have made lay-offs. I run a media business — we’ve made lay-offs. ”

The warning comes as Google’s AI Overview and AI Mode features reshape search habits, reducing incentives for users to click through to publisher websites and threatening established digital revenue streams.

UK broadcaster bosses dismiss merger speculation

The heads of the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Paramount have dismissed the notion that they should merge  to help them compete with the likes of Netflix and YouTube. Instead, they warned that consolidation would harm the UK television industry by reducing viewer choice and shrinking the pool of content creators. Their remarks follow a UK government proposal to make it easier for legacy broadcasters to consolidate and form partnerships.

BBC director general Tim Davie argued that “multiple buying points” are vital to the UK’s thriving production sector, warning that consolidation may not be good for the wider ecosystem. He added that he was unsure whether he needed more “linear real estate.”