# News Corp loses Australian subscribers, attacks AI as 'crass kleptomaniacs'

News Corp reported a decline in Australian subscribers while sharply criticizing AI companies, calling them "crass kleptomaniacs" and their output a "slimy sea of slop." The attack reflects growing publisher frustration over AI using content without fair compensation. The subscriber losses highlight ongoing challenges for News Corp's digital model.

**Importance:** 3/5

## Sources

### World
- [The Guardian World](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/aug/06/australia-news-live-nsw-politics-icac-corruption-perrottet-ibac-victoria-daniel-andrews-royal-commission-antisemitism-labor-tax-albanese-ntwnfb) — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 22:43:50 GMT
- [The Guardian World](https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/aug/06/news-corp-subscriptions-fall-in-australia-as-company-takes-aim-at-slimy-ai-slop) — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 23:24:14 GMT