New York, September 20, 2025 – USA Today, owned by media giant Gannett, has officially entered the generative AI space with the launch of its cutting-edge chatbot, DeeperDive. The new tool is designed to transform how readers interact with journalism by offering real-time summaries, fact-based answers, and personalized recommendations across Gannett’s vast news network.
Tackling the AI News Challenge
In recent years, traditional media outlets have faced mounting challenges as AI-powered content aggregators and search engines increasingly summarize articles, reducing direct website traffic. With DeeperDive, Gannett is taking a proactive approach to reclaim audience engagement, ensuring that readers stay within its own ecosystem while benefiting from the efficiency of AI.
“Our mission has always been to make trusted journalism accessible to everyone,” said Kristin Roberts, Chief Content Officer at Gannett. “DeeperDive gives readers the clarity they want in seconds, while connecting them to the depth and credibility of our reporting.”
Features of DeeperDive
- Instant Summaries: Complex stories condensed into concise, accurate explanations.
- Factual Q&A: Users can ask questions and receive answers backed by Gannett’s reporting and archives.
- Smart Recommendations: Personalized article and topic suggestions to keep readers engaged.
- Cross-Platform Integration: Available across USA Today’s digital platforms and expanding to local outlets under the Gannett umbrella.
Industry Implications
The launch of DeeperDive marks a significant turning point for legacy media navigating the AI era. While many publishers remain wary of AI disrupting traditional readership, Gannett is betting that AI can be a competitive advantage rather than a threat.
By integrating generative AI directly into its offerings, USA Today positions itself as one of the first major U.S. newspapers to embrace AI as a newsroom partner—both to preserve traffic and to provide readers with a modern, interactive experience.
Looking Ahead
DeeperDive is currently rolling out across select markets and will soon be available nationwide. Gannett plans to further enhance the chatbot with voice integration and multimedia features, making news more interactive and accessible than ever before.
As the media industry races to adapt to AI disruption, USA Today’s bold step could set a precedent for other news organizations seeking to innovate while safeguarding journalistic integrity.
