The iconic voice of Sir Michael Parkinson is making a comeback in a new podcast series, Virtually Parkinson, powered by AI.
Produced by Deep Fusion Films with the approval of his family and estate, the eight-episode podcast will feature the late British broadcaster, who passed away at 88 in 2023, conversing with contemporary guests.
His son, Mike Parkinson, recently spoke on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, affirming that Deep Fusion’s AI recreation is transparent, intended to honor Parkinson’s legacy rather than mislead listeners.
“I really wanted it to be clear it was an AI iteration,” he said.
However, the use of AI in entertainment remains controversial. Critics worry that AI poses risks to human employment and could blur lines between authentic and artificial creations.
These concerns led to the “Stop AI Stealing the Show” campaign launched by the actors’ union Equity, and AI was a key issue during last year’s Hollywood strikes.
In this case, as Sir Michael is no longer alive, the debate centers on ethics: should AI be used to voice statements he never actually made, and will audiences accept AI versions of beloved hosts?
Mike Parkinson explained that he and his father had previously discussed creating a podcast, though his father passed before it could happen.
He believes his father “would have been fascinated” by the AI project, although he was famously a “technophobe.”
The podcast’s co-creator, Jamie Anderson, argues that Virtually Parkinson is meant to preserve Parkinson’s legacy, not replace a living presenter.
Still, others believe that AI interviews with deceased hosts might edge out job opportunities for contemporary journalists.
As Virtually Parkinson moves forward, it highlights both the creative potential and ethical dilemmas AI brings to broadcasting and beyond.
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