A radio station makes history by introducing the first AI-powered DJ, blurring the lines between past and present as AI technology enters the radio industry.
It was revealed that Portland, Oregon-based KBFF Live 95.5 FM, owned by Alpha Media, used Futuri Media’s RadioGPT software to broadcast an artificial intelligence (AI) or artificial version of its host Ashley Elzinga.
According to Phil Baker, EVP of content at Alpha Media, the radio station will become “more agile than ever” with the addition of AI.
“Radio GPT allows us to produce more timely, topical, and robust information for our content creators with greater frequency, and for Alpha’s listeners and clients than ever before,” said Baker.
The station posted a tweet on Tuesday showing Elzinga sharing the new AI host with its audience. In the video, the AI is heard playing back his comments as if they were a straightforward recording.
“I think I have the day off,” Elzinga joked.
We made history as the world's first radio station with an AI DJ! Our midday host Ashley has become AI Ashley! We can’t wait for you to meet Ashley, the world's first artificially intelligent DJ. As to the intelligence of our other DJ’s…we’ll save that for another post 😉 pic.twitter.com/CtlMhYU0IO
— Live 95.5 (@live955) June 13, 2023
In another video, a caller is heard being informed by AI Ashley that they have won tickets to a Taylor Swift concert. The AI’s voice has a conversational, relaxed tone that uncannily resembles the host it was modeled after.
According to JEE News, the station maintains that Elzinga will continue to be paid at her current rate and will not replace the real Ashley, allaying the concerns of some local DJs.
Speaking to JEE News, Baker said Radio GPT is a tool designed specifically for use by radio hosts.
Alpha Media also told listeners that you will be able to hear AI Ashley by tuning into Live 95.5 from any smart speaker location from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST).
