Media Metamorphosis - Edition 19

Revolutionising Media: How AI is Reshaping the Future

Author

Mark Riley
September 17, 2024

Media Metamorphosis - Edition 19 by HANA News

Revolutionising Media: How AI is Reshaping the Future

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The written-by-a-human bit:

I self-identify as an optimistic AI accelerationist, so seeing such a rapid increase in AI adoption across media and publishing organisations is gratifying. The critical use cases can be boiled down to brainstorming, research, creativity, transcription, summarisation, and personalisation. This might explain why this entertaining tweet about the demise of consultancy has now been viewed 4.1m times.

Here at Mathison AI, we have been testing the latest model release from OpenAI - o1 preview, with the nickname Strawberry (unclear where strawberry comes from, but reassuring that it can now correctly answer the tricky question “How many r’s in strawberry?”) Worryingly for consultants it has enhanced reasoning, is better at complex maths and less prone to hallucinations. In other words, it will excel at solving objective business strategy problems.

Today’s articles reflect a new entente cordial between journalism and big AI tech with more partnerships announced, and our lead article suggests a new symbiosis between journalistic skills and AI search companies.

Proof that you can be an accelerationist and a humanist at the same time.

Mark Riley, CEO of Mathison AI

  • AI and journalism challenges: AI chatbots struggle to deliver timely, accurate news, and integrating journalists into AI teams could enhance trust and transparency in digital news.

  • AI transforming media recruitment: 90% of media leaders aim to recruit talent to address AI-related challenges, recognising the growing importance of AI skills over traditional storytelling.

  • Creative AI tools for Gen Z: The Verse app empowers Gen Z to create and publish interactive digital content, offering new ways for self-expression with AI-powered features.

  • Ethics in documentary filmmaking with AI: New guidelines for ethical AI use in documentary production aim to maintain transparency and trust with audiences.

  • A positive outlook on AI in media: Media companies express optimism about AI, seeing it as a tool to complement human creativity and streamline operations.

  • Concerns over AI in sports journalism: AI-generated sports recaps have been criticised for lacking emotional depth, raising concerns about AI’s role in human-centred journalism.

  • Ethical considerations in AI-powered journalism: A summit emphasised the importance of ethics and audience trust in AI usage in journalism, advocating for transparency and continuous feedback

AI companies have a news problem. Journalists have the skills they need to fix it.

Date: 2024-09-11 07:08:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 6 minutes | Source: cjr.org

As tensions rise in American politics, AI chatbots face challenges in delivering timely and accurate news, evidenced by their failure to report on significant events like an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump. In a rapidly evolving information landscape, companies like OpenAI are developing innovative tools, such as SearchGPT, to enhance generative AI capabilities by merging chatbot functionalities with live internet searches. This shift underscores the growing importance of partnerships between AI firms and traditional news outlets to ensure reliable information delivery, mainly as they address past mistakes seen in social media's explosive rise. Incorporating trained journalists into AI companies could pave the way for a more trustworthy and transparent digital news ecosystem. 🌐 

AI is changing the media industry: Here’s what the numbers say

Date: 2024-09-13 12:28:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 3 minutes | Source: Marketing Dive 

The media industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI), as highlighted in a recent Kantar report. With 90% of industry leaders expressing a strong desire to recruit talent that can tackle emerging challenges, there’s a clear push for diversifying skill sets, which currently emphasizes storytelling skills over AI capabilities. However, many recognize the necessity of AI skills and predict their importance will rise significantly over the next three years. Organizations are responding by not only shifting recruitment practices but also planning to develop talents in-house through targeted training initiatives. 📈 

Meet Verse, an AI-powered creative app that helps Gen Z design and publish expressive content

Date: 2024-09-11 13:00:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 4 minutes | Source: Yahoo 

Introducing Verse, the innovative AI-powered creative app designed for Gen Z, offering a vibrant multimedia space to craft everything from moodboards to storefronts. Launched in June and already boasting 200,000 creations, Verse allows users to design mini websites with an interactive and scrollable canvas, enhanced by an AI assistant that simplifies the process. Founders Bobby Pinckney and Michelle Yin, both with immense tech backgrounds, were inspired by the idea of self-expression beyond traditional platforms, leading to a space that not only empowers individuals but also serves brands and artists to showcase their work. With plans for an Android version and potential subscription features, Verse is set to grow as a go-to tool for creative communication. 🌟 

Journalism and AI: balancing innovation and integrity

Date: 2024-09-17 10:55:57 | Reading Time: Reading time: 6 minutes | Source: LSE.ac.uk

In our rapidly evolving world, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. While AI can enhance news coverage and streamline processes, it also brings concerns regarding trust, accuracy, and the potential for misinformation. As media organizations experiment with AI tools—from content personalization to automated newsreaders—the importance of responsible usage and transparency becomes paramount to maintaining journalistic integrity. Ultimately, the human touch remains essential in ensuring that journalism continues to deliver reliable and authentic reporting amid these technological advancements. 🌍

Media and Broadcast Companies Reveal Confidence In AI Technology

Date: 2024-09-13 14:20:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 3 minutes | Source: TV Technology 

A recent study by Caretta Research highlights the evolving perspective of the media broadcast industry towards artificial intelligence (AI), revealing a predominantly positive outlook tempered by a "wait and see" mindset regarding its full implementation. While a significant 85% of respondents believe AI will significantly transform the economics of the media sector, many express concerns about its governance and potential biases. Interestingly, the majority of technology buyers see AI as a tool to enhance human capabilities rather than replace them, with a focus on automating routine tasks to streamline operations. As the industry continues to explore AI's impact, the findings underscore the need for thoughtful integration and clear governance to harness its full potential. 🤖 

Documentary filmmakers publish new AI ethics guidelines. Are news broadcasters next?

Date: 2024-09-12 19:01:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 10 minutes | Source: Nieman Journalism Lab 

Rachel Antell's recent experiences in documentary filmmaking have spotlighted the rising influence of generative AI, particularly in sourcing archival images. In response to concerns about the use of AI-generated content, Antell and her colleagues founded the Archival Producers Alliance (APA), which has released new guidelines to promote ethical practices and transparency in documentary production. The initiative has garnered support from prominent filmmakers and organizations emphasizing the importance of clear labelling and content tracking to maintain audience trust. As the documentarian community navigates the complexities of AI, the APA aims to foster informed conversations about its impact on storytelling. 🎥 

Amazon’s Audiobook Narrators Can Now Make Their Own AI Voice Clones

Date: 2024-09-14 10:30:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 4 minutes | Source: Wired 

In an exciting development, Audible is launching a trial program that allows a select group of narrators to use AI-generated speech technology to clone their voices for audiobooks. This innovative step comes as part of their Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX) service, enabling authors and publishers to potentially expand their catalogs significantly. While this move raises questions about the future of human narration, Audible assures that narrators will maintain control and oversight over AI-generated content. As the generative AI boom continues to evolve, we may soon see even more possibilities for creative storytelling! 📚 

Meet Verse, an AI-powered creative app that helps Gen Z design and publish expressive content

Date: 2024-09-11 13:00:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 4 minutes | Source: Yahoo 

Introducing Verse, the innovative new iOS app designed to empower Gen Z users in crafting hyper-visual, expressive content. Founded by Bobby Pinckney and Michelle Yin, who previously created a successful music app, Verse allows users to design and publish everything from mood boards to mini websites while leveraging AI for an intuitive experience. Since launching in June, the platform has seen impressive engagement, with users creating over 200,000 unique designs, making self-expression more accessible than ever. As the app evolves, it aims to introduce an Android version and expand web capabilities, making it an exciting tool for both everyday users and brand marketers alike! 🌟 

Poynter: When it comes to using AI in journalism, put audience and ethics first

Date: 2024-09-12 16:12:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 28 minutes | Source: Poynter 

The Poynter Institute hosted a significant summit focused on AI, ethics, and journalism, bringing together leaders from various newsrooms to address the rapidly evolving landscape of journalism amidst advancements in generative AI technology. The two-day event emphasized the importance of establishing ethical guidelines in AI usage, addressing audience concerns around transparency and trust, as many participants expressed anxiety about AI's implications for journalism and job security. Key takeaways underscored the need for clear disclosures on AI's role in news production and the importance of continuous audience feedback in creating relevant and trustworthy news products. As the journalism industry navigates these technological changes, the summit laid the groundwork for further ethical discussions and the development of practical tools, fostering a commitment to audience-centred journalism. 🤝 

When it comes to your job, how much ‘AI anxiety’ makes sense?

Date: 2024-09-16 13:07:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 5 minutes | Source: Technical 

In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, many workers express both intrigue and concern about what the future holds. While AI is anticipated to create about 97 million new jobs by 2025, fears about job displacement and data privacy persist. At the CES 2024 expo, AI was front and center among exhibitors, highlighting its rapid integration into businesses. Yet, amid the excitement, professionals across various sectors remind us that the human touch in work—like creativity and emotional connection—remains irreplaceable. 🤖 

Experts warn misinformation may increase the need for media literacy this election season

Date: 2024-09-15 22:36:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 4 minutes | Source: KentWired.com

As the upcoming elections approach, the influence of artificial intelligence in political campaigns is becoming more prominent, with AI-generated content shaping narratives and potentially spreading misinformation. Notably, recent events saw an AI-created image of Kamala Harris garner significant attention on social media, highlighting the ease with which misleading information can circulate. Experts warn that this evolving landscape encourages echo chambers, where individuals consume biased information that aligns with their beliefs, leading to a decrease in overall media trust. To combat this, researchers suggest that voters proactively research across multiple platforms and engage directly with candidates to ensure informed decision-making come November. 🗳️ 

Can AI Bring Students Back to the Great Books?

Date: 2024-09-15 11:01:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 10 minutes | Source: The 74 

Rebind, a new publishing initiative co-founded by John Dubuque and John Kaag, aims to make classic literature more accessible and engaging through artificial intelligence. By offering interactive e-books paired with commentary from well-known writers and scholars, Rebind seeks to assist both students and adults who may find dense classics intimidating. Readers can ask questions, highlight text, and receive personalized responses from AI that synthesize expert insights, enhancing the reading experience while preserving the joy of literature. With plans to release their first titles soon, Rebind could transform how we engage with literary classics and facilitate deeper understanding. 📚 

ESPN’s AI-generated sports recaps are already missing the point

Date: 2024-09-10 23:16:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 2 minutes | Source: The Verge 

ESPN has started using Microsoft AI to generate recaps for women’s soccer games, blending technology with human oversight to enhance their sports coverage. While the company claims that these AI-generated stories help focus on more nuanced reporting, critics have noted that the resulting write-ups lack depth and fail to capture key emotional moments from the games. This move mirrors a trend seen since 2016, when other organizations like the Associated Press began using AI for underserved sports. As ESPN looks to expand this approach beyond soccer and lacrosse, concerns grow around the potential for AI to replace human journalists in sports reporting. ⚽ 

Colin Kaepernick is coming to TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

Date: 2024-09-16 15:00:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 2 minutes | Source: YAHOO!News 

Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL quarterback turned civil rights activist, has launched an AI startup called Lumi, aimed at empowering creators to take control of their narratives through innovative storytelling tools. At the upcoming TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 in San Francisco, he will discuss the challenges creators face in the media landscape and how Lumi seeks to address biases many AI models encounter. Kaepernick, who has been quietly investing in Silicon Valley since 2017, continues to evolve as a media executive while emphasizing the importance of representation and ownership in storytelling. Don’t miss the chance to see Kaepernick share his journey and vision—grab your tickets now! 🚀 

International Audiobook Publishers See More Growth Ahead

Date: 2024-09-13 16:03:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 7 minutes | Source: Publishers Weekly 

The inaugural International Summit Audio Publishers (ISAP) recently took place in New York City, bringing together 137 participants from across the globe to discuss the burgeoning audiobook industry and the impact of AI on its future. With U.S. audiobook revenue on track to surpass $2 billion in 2023, and the global market projected to reach $8.67 billion in 2024, discussions highlighted the significant regional variations in consumption and market dynamics. Industry leaders like Audible and Spotify are innovating with new monetization models and personalized content strategies to cater to diverse audiences, while recognizing the challenges of piracy and adapting to local markets. The summit underscored a shared optimism and commitment within the audiobook community to promote quality content and foster collaboration. 📚

How generative AI paves the way for more contextualized and personalized DOOH campaigns

Date: 2024-09-11 08:44:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 3 minutes | Source: The Drum 

Digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising is rapidly transforming, driven by the innovative capabilities of generative AI (GenAI). This technology allows for dynamic and personalized campaigns that enhance audience engagement and return on investment. As brands increasingly adopt GenAI, they gain the ability to create tailored content in real-time, respond intelligently to audience behaviours, and optimize their advertising strategies like never before. With tools like CampaignAI emerging to assist in media planning, the future of DOOH advertising looks exciting and full of potential! 🚀

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