The AI industry is pouring millions into US elections

Brian Merchant, known for his 'Blood in the Machine' newsletter, has officially debuted a new audio and video series. This new venture aims to provide a dedicated platform for critical tech journalism, with its pilot episode immediately focusing on the substantial financial influence the AI industry exerts over US elections. The series responds directly to reader requests for an audio format, promising to deliver a counter-narrative to mainstream tech media.

• The new audio/video series is a direct response to consistent reader demand for a podcast component to the 'Blood in the Machine' newsletter.
• It intends to serve as a voice for those organizing and resisting the concentrating power of big tech and the AI industry, showcasing the perspectives of workers, activists, and journalists.
• The pilot episode features Molly White of 'Citation Needed,' who discusses her 'Tech Influence Watch' project, which tracks the hundreds of millions of dollars spent by AI and crypto companies to influence political outcomes.
• The show plans to document various forms of resistance, from protests against data centers to anti-AI movements in education and public life, positioning itself as an alternative to business-focused tech coverage.
• While considered a 'soft launch,' the series incorporates video to reach a wider audience, alongside its podcast format.
• Merchant encourages paid subscriptions to support this independent project and foster critical tech journalism.

Ultimately, this new series positions itself as an essential resource for understanding the broader societal impacts and growing resistance movements against the pervasive influence of the tech oligarchy and AI industry.