AI And The Future Of Local TV News

AI has the potential to widen the gap between top-notch and below-par station owners due to its extensive usage in news. The superior ones will acknowledge how it can enhance and broaden their capabilities in reporting.

Written by Hank Price on July 31st, 2023 at 5:30 in the morning Eastern Time.

Nearly four decades have passed since the debut of Max Headroom, the fictional virtual news presenter. Max caused quite a stir back then, with certain experts forecasting the demise of human newscasters. However, this idea swiftly lost momentum as it became apparent that computer-generated news anchors lacked the necessary charisma to captivate audiences.

Nowadays, the advancement of artificial intelligence has reached a level of complexity and rapid progress that surpasses the wildest dreams of the Max Headroom creators. Our society, heavily influenced by technology, has pushed us into a present where what once seemed like the future is already here. If you can envision something, chances are it will eventually become a reality.

Don't even consider ChatGPT. It's just a basic initial attempt. The true potential of AI in the television industry, particularly within news broadcasting, lies ahead on a lengthy path full of possibilities and challenges awaiting us.

Do not dismiss this as fiction, as specialists are already employing artificial intelligence to modify videos and voices of genuine presenters, aiming to ultimately produce computer-generated individuals with human qualities. It is reasonable to expect that fully advanced AI-generated news broadcasts will eventually come to exist.

Today, the queries that you and I should ponder are not related to technical matters, but rather they encompass moral dilemmas. How ought we to utilize technology? How should we avoid using it? As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly prevalent, these perplexing questions will emerge as one of the most significant challenges of our era.

What is certain is that there will be a greater separation between highly proficient and poorly performing station owners. The businesses that have already significantly reduced their newsrooms will embrace any progress that minimizes the need for more staff. The top-notch owners, who recognize the enduring significance of excellent local news, will view AI as an opportunity to enhance their content and consequently grow more robust.

Certain career changes are bound to happen. I recall a time when automated cameras were initially introduced. At that time, a complete system would cost a substantial amount, but the financial experts swiftly highlighted the advantages: "They don't receive benefits, aren't entitled to healthcare, and don't take vacations." This reasoning made sense for suitable roles, but considering that numerous newsroom teams are already operating with the bare minimum, there are no longer any discretionary positions available. Therefore, it is preferable if artificial intelligence (AI) is employed to enhance the quality of our products rather than replace human workers. Moreover, the utilization of AI will necessitate the acquisition of new, specific skills.

More progressive organizations are likely to adopt a cautious strategy when it comes to embracing this fresh opportunity. They will utilize artificial intelligence technology to give their news teams an advantage, enabling employees to generate a more comprehensive and diverse product. It's also improbable that these firms will hastily dismiss their anchors. A research study is not necessary to understand that viewers prefer to see actual individuals rather than a computer-generated imitation, regardless of how convincingly realistic it may seem. The genuine human-to-human bond that fosters viewer loyalty should not be overlooked.

In reality, do not perceive AI as a substitute for individuals whatsoever. Rather, view it as an innovative and game-changing instrument that empowers individuals to perform more efficiently.

An evident location is production. Artificial intelligence has the capability to manage duties like creating graphics, rewriting stories, editing videos again, conducting searches in archives, manipulating databases, checking scripts, and numerous other monotonous and time-consuming tasks. What producer wouldn't desire such a helpful aid?

Computers powered by artificial intelligence could potentially liberate directors from their roles as mere automatons pressing "next" buttons. Instead of being confined to being workers on a production line, directors and producers may finally have the opportunity to join forces and engage in true collaboration, resulting in the birth of innovative creations.

Within the confines of the recording setting, advanced cameras, screens, illumination setups, and cueing devices possess the capability to enhance the visual appeal and immersive nature of a news broadcast. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, the introduction of more intricate cueing and prompting methods could potentially eradicate the troubling interference of producers verbally communicating with news anchors.

In the industry, numerous small robotic cameras and drones powered by artificial intelligence could revolutionize story coverage. These advanced cameras, which may be operated by a video specialist or operate autonomously, could outperform the single cameras used currently. Additionally, AI algorithms that comprehend a journalist's unique storytelling technique could generate an initial video draft for the journalist's consideration and refinement. The integration of these innovations would propel the industry to new heights.

There are numerous examples to support this idea, but the main takeaway is that artificial intelligence (AI) holds the potential to enhance news broadcasts and simplify the workload of news creators. Broadcasting stations will be capable of generating content that is expansive and more significant, surpassing the current repetitive nature of news coverage.

Remember that all the features I've mentioned are dependent on our current understanding of news. However, the real potential for AI might lie in alternative and creative ways to generate and share news content. For instance, is there a possibility of utilizing the capabilities of numerous consumer smartphones? It would require cooperation from the owners, but it could result in more extensive real-time news coverage and provide a wealth of new video material for various stories or even original creations. Additionally, have you considered the development of news applications that cater to the future capabilities of NextGen TV? Only with the assistance of AI would it be feasible to customize specific content for hundreds of thousands of households.

Diversifying offerings and services holds immense significance not just for ensuring the long-term sustainability of regional television news, but also for generating fresh income streams that can justify the creation of additional employment opportunities. Moreover, let's ponder over this aspect: The current viewership of television news predominantly comprises older individuals, but the utilization of artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize this scenario.

Numerous valid concerns exist regarding the way certain companies will utilize AI. Nonetheless, at its core, artificial intelligence, when appropriately applied, will provide individuals with a greater sense of artistic authority, enhance their products, and introduce novel prospects for television news. Furthermore, it presents an exceptional chance to actively contribute to shaping the forthcoming era.

As a professional who is at a point of advancement in your career or even in the early stages, there comes a moment where you must make a choice. Will you eagerly welcome the upcoming advancements or resist them? Will you strive to contribute to the creation of remarkable innovations or would you rather follow the path of outdated devices like typewriters, fax machines, and flip phones? In my opinion, responding to these inquiries should be quite straightforward.

Fear often lurks in the face of the unknown, but engaging in futile debates about the Earth being flat is unproductive. Embrace the possibilities that lie ahead and revel in the joy they bring.

Hank Price dedicated three decades to spearheading television stations for Hearst, CBS, and Gannett, all the while nurturing his professional development in executive education. He has also authored three books, including "Leading Local Television."