From Reuters:
The Paris Olympics will be a showcase of generative AI for American viewers but European audiences won't see a similar approach, a contrast that reflects how global media companies are deliberating over the use of the technology.
Comcast's NBCUniversal is diving into AI for its U.S. broadcast of the Games, including re-creating the voice of a legendary sportscaster, while Warner Bros. Discovery's sports division in #Europe said the tech is still too nascent for roles such as sports commentating.
Warner Bros. Discovery, which will stream the Games on its HBO Max and Discovery Inc+ #streaming platforms across Europe, received demos from #tech companies to translate speech into other languages but the demos have lacked the emotion that comes with heart-racing sports moments, said Scott Young, senior vice president at Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe.
"In every part of their (demos), it feels like yes, you've translated the words correctly, but you haven't translated or narrated the feeling," he said.
Meanwhile, U.S. audiences will experience AI when they watch the Games on NBC or #streaming service Peacock due to a new partnership between NBCUniversal, Google and Team USA.
AI-enhanced Google Maps images of the Olympic venues will help viewers get a feel of Paris and NBC's hosts will demonstrate how Google AI search can answer questions about the competitions.
NBCUniversal will also use generative AI to create personalised daily briefings of the International Olympic Committee – IOC events, which will be narrated by an AI re-creation of #sports commentator Al Michaels' voice.
Almost seven million different variations of the daily recaps could be created over the course of the Paris Olympics, NBCUniversal said.
The Olympic Broadcasting Services, which produces neutral coverage that can be used by #media companies around the world, is also embracing AI to assist with quickly cutting vast amounts of footage into brief highlights, but previously told Reuters it remained wary of the risks of deepfakes and "tampering with reality."
Given how quickly #AI capabilities are advancing, it may not be long until European sports fans see more of the #technology.
"We're probably just one Summer Games away from where the real impact will be for us," Young said.
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4moInnovation is not about replacing the irreplaceable it's about enhancing the experience for all. AI-generated voice presents an opportunity to embrace diversity and inclusivity. If executed thoughtfully with the right balance between technological advancement and preserving the essence of what makes sports broadcasting truly captivating, this technology could bring the magic of sporting events to a broader audience, transcending language barriers and fostering a shared love for all that we cherish. The question is @Dr Craig Hansen PhD can AI create a genuine human connection that transcends mere words?