I Read About Futuri So You Don't Have To
Oooooh, ahhh… the future is now!
From the Boradcast Dialogue article HERE by Connie Thiessen, Feb. 23, 2023:
"human input is required when working to configure shows, but RadioGPT does the rest.”
Some thoughts:
Where I feel this AI tech will be extremely helpful to live, on air human broadcasters: you know how you used to do one show in one timeslot but now you do one show in that same timeslot in your home market (which you totally crush, btw) but now you also host a second show in the same timeslot (or maybe evenings) and it's syndicated into five other markets or clusters and there is an expectation of X local, live content breals per X hour in X market? If you're pickin' up what I'm throwin' down, you know how helpful this new tech could be.
The on air humans who have more than one show, typically have that additional level of reach because they are good at their jobs and are appreciated by listeners, both local and out of market.
Have you ever felt overexposed in your position? I know I have. We are public figures and often a little 'too' accessible; we're the wall for people to throw their sh*t at. It's not all sh*it, okay. I know that. On the days where it is mostly sh*t, I'd give anything to have a tech filter to be the first point of contact for calls, texts, DMs or e-mails that no human should see (shoutout to young women working those overnight shifts).
RadioGPT is said to be capable at handling posts to social media and blogs/other forms of engaging web content. If that means I can worry less about a) what's offensive today and might be considered offensive tomorrow, b) whether or not sharing this will get me or my company into trouble with copyright crawler bots, and c) finding time to post while I'm hosting, prepping, programming, in meetings and engaging with audience/sales/clients, etc.
SIGN. ME. THE. F*CK. UP.
I've been using the same metaphor about working in radio since I started professionally doing so in 2011:
"Hosting a show is like casting a net; what you pull in isn't always going to be what you want to eat. The bigger the net, the more you'll pull in but, again, it's not always edible."
Working with AI is going to increase the size of the net, while helping us source through the catch.
To my very limited knowledge, there were two announcements this week about AI DJ tech:
Spotify's Sonatic which promises to "deliver a curated lineup of music alongside commentary around the tracks and artists we think you'll like in a stunningly realistic voice."
Futuri's RadioGPT which bills itself as "the world's first localized radio content powered entirely by artificial intelligence."
To summarize:
As a disabled woman working in media with two young kids in school, married to a partner who works full time in marketing and quasi-recently launched his own (successful) business, I am very excited about what this tech will mean for the future of the broadcasting industry.
Nothing is more important to me, professionally, than being the friend who plays your favourite tunes. If I get to play exactly what you want, when you want it and give you the information you want to hear in between tunes... I think that's the ultimate goal. Let's go!
#JadonandAnias: conjoined twins leading new, separate lives after 27 hour surgery.
I've been following the story of conjoined twins Jadon and Anias McDonald since learning of their life-changing surgery earlier this month (Thurs., Oct. 13). The 13 month old twins underwent a 27 hour surgery performed by leading neurosurgeon in craniopagus surgery, Dr. James Goodrich, at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx. Their story is an unusual one and the decision to separate was very hard on parents Nicole and Christian.
“Twins joined at the head, called craniopagus twins, are exceedingly rare, occurring in one out of every 2.5 million births. About 40% of the twins are stillborn, and another third die within 24 hours of their birth. Studies have showed that 80% of twins joined at the head die of medical complications by the age of 2 if not separated. ”
Photos: Conjoined twins at the head prepare to be separated
Anias and Jadon McDonald were born conjoined at the head on September 9, 2015, via an unscheduled C-section. "They were normal little boys, like any other two little babies you would see," said their father Christian McDonald, "except for being conjoined."
-CNN Health
For those following the amazing story of #JadonandAnias, you'll know that they boys were successfully separated. They have begun their new life as independent beings. Jadon's breathing tube was removed this week allowing her mother, Nicole, to finally hold her baby in her arms. This is the first time in their 13 months of life that she has been able to do that.
Photos: Conjoined twins separated: Inside the hospital
Nicole McDonald holds her son Jadon for the first time. - CNN Health
Brother Anias isn't doing as well as Jadon (pictured above). He will have to wait a little longer to be held by his parents. Anias has been suffering seizures, breathing issues and dealing with heart problems (pre-existing conditions that have continued, but are being managed via medicine, post-op). Still, doctors are pleased with his progression and know that he will catch up to Jadon soon enough.
The McDonald family are not well versed in the internet and it's ways... So Nicole was absolutely FLOORED to see that their GoFundMe page had exceeded the family's hopes (they gave up everything and moved to the Bronx to be close to the Children's Hospital & Dr. Goodrich) and their story has captivated the world.
Best wishes to these two, their older brother, mom and dad. Their faith has kept them strong and modern medicine has given them a second chance at life. I can't stop searching the hashtag "Jadon and Anias" / #JadonandAnias. The updates have been inspiring and might add a little sunshine to your day. The world is rooting for you two!! Little miracle babies! <3