Media Metamorphosis - Edition 20

Unlocking AI: Insights on Media, Social Trends, and Innovation

Author

Mark Riley
September 24, 2024

Media Metamorphosis - Edition 20 by HANA News

Unlocking AI: Insights on Media, Social Trends, and Innovation

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The written-by-a-human bit:

Have you always wanted to turn an article or a PDF into a two-person AI-generated podcast conversation? I haven't, but now you can. TechRadar reports on Google's new release of NotebookLM, which is mind-blowingly good at human-sounding back-and-forth about any topic. There are wide-ranging use cases for explaining complex topics, but you may be unsettled by how captivating and authentic it sounds. 🤯

Today, we report on three more case studies of newsroom AI adoption by The Economist, BBC and Omni. We also carry an article by Variety about how Paramount is using AI to unearth hidden gold buried in archives with intelligent tagging - just get your cloud technology right first.

We highlight three articles about how AI impacts advertising through efficiencies in asset creation while keeping humans in the loop and personalised audio ads.

Finally, our opinion section carries a warning for parents that “AI is the new social media” and a reminder that AI is not a replacement for critical thinking in journalism.

Mark Riley, CEO of Mathison AI and HANA News

CASE STUDIES

The Economist Unveils AI-Language Transmissions

Date: 2024-09-19 17:21:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 1 minutes | Source: Talking Biz News 

The Economist has launched its low-cost app, Espresso, featuring AI-powered translations in French, German, Mandarin, and Spanish to enhance accessibility to journalism. Senior editor of AI initiatives, Ludwig Siegele, acknowledged the challenges of accurately translating journalism while emphasizing that the translations have now reached a satisfactory level. With 20,000 subscribers already on board, Espresso also supports education by offering free access to high school and university students aged 16 and older globally. This innovative step strives to make quality journalism more accessible to diverse audiences worldwide. 🌍 

AI-assisted Journalism: Our Open-source Quote Extraction System

Date: 2024-09-19 21:07:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 1 minutes | Source: BBC 

Exciting news from the BBC Research & Development team! They've launched Citron, an open-source experimental project harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to help journalists quickly extract and attribute quotes from various text documents. This innovative tool effectively navigates complex structures like direct and indirect quotes, enabling reporters to access relevant information on any subject quickly. Citron's development, supported by the University of Edinburgh, promises to enhance journalistic practices and pave the way for future data extraction techniques. 🌟 

Omni Harnesses the Power of AI to Empower Its Journalists

Date: 2024-09-22 15:06:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 4 minutes | Source: Inma 

Omni is leading the charge in integrating artificial intelligence into journalistic processes, equipping its workforce with essential AI skills to foster creativity and innovation. By implementing a comprehensive training program, Omni's journalists are not just learning about AI but actively building tailored tools that enhance their reporting capabilities, such as intelligent summarization and real-time error correction. As the media landscape rapidly evolves, Omni recognizes the necessity for a transformative approach to remain relevant and is excited about the future of AI-driven journalism. Their commitment to this technology signals a significant advancement for the media industry as they strive to shape the future together. 🚀 

AI in sport with Stats Perform: How The Analyst improved engagement and SEO by combining AI insight with human creativity

Date: 2024-09-19 16:01:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 4 minutes | Source: SportsPro 

In the fast-paced world of digital sports publishing, integrating Stats Perform’s OptaAI Studio has revolutionized the creation of content for Analyst. This innovative tool not only streamlines the research and fact-checking processes for writers but also enhances the overall quality of the content through unique statistical insights. As a result, analysts have seen a boost in SEO performance and user engagement, enabling them to capture a loyal audience while increasing advertising and sponsorship opportunities. By blending AI capabilities with human creativity, they are surviving and thriving in the competitive landscape of sports media. ⚽️ 

How Are AI Chatbots Changing Scientific Publishing?

Date: 2024-09-20 04:03:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 1 minutes | Source: Science Friday 

Since the launch of ChatGPT nearly three years ago, generative AI chatbots have significantly impacted various sectors, including Hollywood and scientific publishing. While they offer benefits like simplifying complex research for broader accessibility, they also raise concerns over the rise of AI-generated papers and the subsequent surge in retractions. Major scientific journals grapple with how to incorporate AI use within their guidelines, as inaccuracies in AI detection tools add to the complexities. Join Ira Flatow and Dr Jessamy Bagenal as they discuss the evolving landscape of scientific writing in the age of AI and its implications on public trust in science. 🤖 

Cloud Adoption Key to Media Business Exploiting AI

Date: 2024-09-19 20:13:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 3 minutes | Source: Variety (paywall) 

The recent International Broadcasting Convention in Amsterdam highlighted an exciting maturation stage for AI in media and entertainment, drawing around 45,000 attendees from 170 countries. Experts discussed the democratization of AI through advancements in computing power and cloud technologies, with a significant focus on how these can enhance creative processes and streamline production. Paramount CTO Phil Wiser showcased how AI can unify and tag vast asset libraries, paving the way for more intelligent archival searches. As the industry grapples with labour negotiations and ethical concerns, the consensus remains that while AI offers efficiency and creativity, substantial work lies ahead to harness its full potential. 🌟 

Fal.ai, which hosts media-generating AI models, raises $23M from a16z and others

Date: 2024-09-18 20:14:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 4 minutes | Source: Yahoo 

Fal.ai, a platform specializing in AI-generated content, has successfully raised $23 million in funding to enhance its offerings, attracting prominent investors like Andreessen Horowitz and co-founder of Black Forest Labs, Robin Rombach. Founded in 2021 by Burkay Gur and Gorkem Yurtseven, Fal aims to provide enterprises with innovative tools to generate images, audio, and video, boasting an impressive annual run rate of nearly $10 million. As the company navigates the complexities of generative media, it strongly emphasises scalability and customer integration while considering strategies for content moderation and intellectual property protection. With a growing user base of 500,000 developers, Fal.ai is ready to make waves in the AI space! 🚀 

AI Detects PTSD From Social Media Posts

Date: 2024-09-23 17:21:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 4 minutes | Source: Neuroscience News 

A recent study from the University of Birmingham highlights the potential of using social media, specifically Twitter, as an early screening tool for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among COVID-19 survivors. By analyzing nearly 4 million tweets, researchers achieved an impressive 83% accuracy in identifying posts that reflected PTSD symptoms, focusing on keywords associated with trauma. This innovative approach underscores the significant mental health impact of the pandemic, suggesting that early intervention could help address anxiety and insomnia prevalent in those affected. As co-author Professor Mark Lee remarked, this data-driven method could pave the way for timely medical action in response to the ongoing mental health crisis stemming from COVID-19. 🌐

ADVERTISING

EKCS Unveils Mediaferry AI

Date: 2024-09-18 09:10:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 3 minutes | Source: inpublishing 

EKCS has unveiled Mediaferry AI, an innovative platform designed to revolutionize the relationship between publishers and advertisers. With a focus on enhancing digital ad operations, Mediaferry AI offers tools like self-serve sales opportunities and AI-assisted asset creation, significantly speeding up campaign launches and approval processes. Tariq Husain, co-founder of EKCS, emphasizes the platform's potential to strengthen collaborations by providing unprecedented control over creative production while reducing time-to-market. As industry leaders from companies like McClatchy and National World express their excitement about its capabilities, Mediaferry AI is poised to transform advertising efficiency and creativity. 🚀 

Google Brings AI Ad Image Editing To Search, Display, & More

Date: 2024-09-18 15:55:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 1 minutes | Source: Searchenginejournal.com

Exciting news for advertisers! At the DMEXCO marketing conference, Google revealed that its AI-powered image editing capabilities, previously exclusive to Performance Max campaigns, will soon be available across all campaign types, such as search, display, and app. This innovative tool will automate the production and optimization of visual assets, allowing marketers to quickly enhance, resize, and even generate new images while maintaining brand consistency. Plus, with the new "human loop" feature, advertisers can still have a say in edits. Expect support in multiple languages, including German, French, and Spanish, in the coming months! 🌟 

How AI is Amplifying Personalized Audio Advertising

Date: 2024-09-18 00:00:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 6 minutes | Source: Ad Age 

The digital marketing landscape is on the brink of a transformation fueled by the rise of AI-powered audio advertising, which combines the power of storytelling with data-driven personalization. Recent studies reveal that audio ads grab attention more effectively than video and allow brands like Target and British Airways to create tailored content that syncs perfectly with consumer behaviours and preferences in real-time. This innovative approach reduces production costs and keeps the content fresh and relevant, enhancing listener engagement while overcoming ad fatigue. As brands embrace this technology, they can expect to resonate more profoundly with their audiences, leveraging finely tuned audio messages that speak directly to the consumer's needs. 🎧

Million dollar AI strategies packed in this free 3 hour AI Masterclass – designed for founders & professionals. Act fast because It’s free only for the first 100.

OPINION

AI smackdown: How a new FTC ruling just protected the free press

Date: 2024-09-21 05:30:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 6 minutes | Source: Salon 

In a decisive move to combat the rise of AI-generated fake product reviews and restore integrity in journalism, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has implemented new rules that could fine violators up to $51,744 per incident. This pivotal legislation protects consumers from deceptive online practices, particularly those that exploit credible sites for profits through misleading reviews. FTC Chair Lina Khan's proactive approach defends independent journalism and seeks to level the playing field for honest businesses in an era increasingly overshadowed by disinformation. As these regulations take effect, the hope is for a healthier and more trustworthy online landscape for consumers. 📰 

Opinion: AI has No Place in Academia or Journalism

Date: 2024-09-18 02:58:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 3 minutes | Source: The Daily Orange 

Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications is ranked among the top 10% of journalism schools in the country, highlighting the critical need for students to navigate the challenges posed by artificial intelligence in their field. As more students rely on AI, particularly tools like ChatGPT, concerns about authenticity, critical thinking, and the potential for misinformation grow. Newhouse's new fellowship program aims to address these ethical implications, prompting students to reclaim their writing skills and prioritize genuine storytelling. Ultimately, while AI can serve as a valuable educational tool, there's a pressing need to establish boundaries to avoid overreliance and to ensure the integrity of journalism is maintained. 🌟 

'AI not a sub for critical thinking'

Date: 2024-09-20 11:44:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 2 minutes | Source: Sun Star 

At a recent forum in Cebu City, Jaemark Tordecilla, a 2024 Nieman Fellow and former editor-in-chief of GMA News Online, emphasized that generative AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance journalism rather than a threat. He highlighted the importance of critical thinking, stating that while AI can aid journalists by freeing them from mundane tasks like transcriptions, the core values of journalism—truth, accountability, and transparency—remain paramount. The event, which brought together students and communications professionals from various academic institutions, aimed to explore the role of AI in journalism while fostering a deeper understanding of ethical practices in the industry. Tordecilla's insights reassured attendees that even with advancing technologies, the essence of journalism will endure. 📚 

Experts say AI is the new social media — and parents are not prepared

Date: 2024-09-19 01:25:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 3 minutes | Source: NBC New York 

A recent study by Common Sense Media reveals that 70% of teens aged 13 to 18 are utilizing generative AI tools, often for homework, but many parents are unaware of this trend. CEO Jim Steyer highlights the importance of parents becoming informed about their children's use of AI, suggesting that proactive conversations about technology can help parents understand its implications while emphasizing the need to teach kids how to use AI responsibly. One involved parent shared her pride in her daughter's resourcefulness with AI, viewing it as a valuable educational tool despite the challenges in traditional class pacing. With the rise of AI in education, it's essential for parents to engage with their teens about these new technologies to foster a balance between creativity and support. 🤖 

AI? New jobs? California's local news deal with Google leaves lots of unanswered questions

Date: 2024-09-20 13:00:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 12 minutes | Source: AOL 

In a significant yet contentious move, California lawmakers have shifted from proposed legislation to make tech giants like Google compensate local news outlets to a nonbinding agreement that includes a $125 million fund for journalism over the next five years. As numerous local publishers express concern that the deal favours large legacy media at their expense, critics argue that the agreement falls short of adequately addressing the financial struggles many local newsrooms face. Governor Gavin Newsom, while optimistic about this compromise, has been caught in a web of lobbyist influence and political complexity that complicates robust regulatory action against Big Tech. The evolving situation highlights an ongoing struggle as the state navigates its relationship with major tech companies while striving to revitalize its devastated journalism landscape. 📰 

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 

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, excitement about its potential is tempered by concerns over job security and data privacy. While forecasts predict the creation of new jobs alongside AI advancements, many workers remain apprehensive, particularly in sectors like hiring and performance evaluation. The White House and local governments are responding with guidelines to ensure AI serves the public responsibly. Ultimately, despite the rise of AI, the human touch in professions like cooking and music remains irreplaceable; as one DJ puts it, the joy of connecting with people on the dance floor is a feeling that technology can't replicate. 🎉 

Lionsgate’s new video AI deal renews debate in advertising and media

Date: 2024-09-23 09:00:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 2 minutes | Source: Ad Age 

The readiness of AI-produced videos for mass consumption remains uncertain, with Lionsgate taking a cautious approach to integrating such technology into their long-form productions. While advancements in AI capabilities have been noted, industry experts emphasize that the quality of AI-generated content is still lacking for mainstream viewing, especially in Hollywood. There are concerns about the level of control directors have over the creative process, with some suggesting that AI should serve more as a supportive tool rather than a replacement. As the debate continues, opinions divide on whether we are inches away from high-quality AI video or if its role will remain limited in the creative process. 🎬  

I've tried the new deliberately anti-social AI-only social media app and I've never been more glad to be a little bit of a loser

Date: 2024-09-20 00:00:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 5 minutes | Source: PC Gamer 

In a fascinating exploration of the complexities of social media, the new SocialAI app aims to create a sense of community through interactions filled with bot-generated responses. While it was intended to help users feel heard and supported, the reality of canned, predictable replies left the author feeling more isolated than connected. This social experiment reveals the hollowness that can come from relying on artificial engagement, underscoring the importance of genuine human interaction amidst a sea of algorithm-driven noise. Ultimately, it raises poignant reflections on how we navigate our online lives—sometimes, less truly is more. 🤖

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