Perplexity AI is a conversational search engine that responds to user queries based on a wide range of sources. Founded in 2022 by former employees of OpenAI, Meta, Quora, Bing and Databricks, Perplexity AI aims to bridge the gap between traditional search engines and AI-driven programmes.

Through this partnership, RTL Deutschland will explore how innovative AI solutions can be integrated into the offerings of NTV, Stern and other online news products. The goal is to make RTL Deutschland’s news brands even more attractive by providing users with easier and more relevant access to content with the help of integrated AI searches.

Isabella Thissen, Managing Director Digital at RTL News, says: “We are leveraging the opportunities of artificial intelligence to create benefits for our users and employees. The goal of this cooperation is to position our strong publishing brands NTV and Stern as trustworthy brands on new channels amidst an increasing AI information flood. We welcome the fact that Perplexity AI offers a potential business model for publishers with its global partnership programme. This is a first step to test the impact in this space and thereby create sustainable innovations. The goal must be to enable digital value creation for content providers.”

The collaboration will not only focus on product integration but also include research and development projects. In addition, RTL Deutschland employees will have access to Perplexity’s Enterprise Pro Programme to gain hands-on experience.

Dmitry Shevelenko, Chief Business Officer of Perplexity, says: “We launched our publisher programme to develop strategic partnerships with news organisations whose content answers the questions people ask. As one of our largest markets worldwide, we are pleased to welcome RTL Deutschland, one of the largest German-speaking publishers. We look forward to working with them to use our technology for new, reader-oriented experiences and to promote a healthy and active information ecosystem.”

RTL Deutschland has been using artificial intelligence in several projects. At RTL News, an AI-assisted news desk helps NTV editors to analyse the relevance and news value of DPA agency reports and generate text in the language style of NTV. The company also produces promotional content with artificial intelligence to separate editorial content from commercial breaks.

Perplexity AI, which answers over 100 million questions weekly from users worldwide, is available online and on iOS, Mac and Android.