AI @ iHeartMedia

In a major stance on AI, iHeartMedia launched a 'Guaranteed Human' policy banning AI-generated on-air voices and content company-wide, underscoring trust and a commitment to human connection amid widespread AI skepticism. CEO Bob Pittman confirmed AI is a tool to augment, not replace humans, with significant savings reported.

• IMDb: iHeartMedia Launches “Guaranteed Human” Policy Banning AI Voices
• Los Angeles Times: ‘Guaranteed Human’: Audio Giant iHeartMedia Says Real Voices Matter
• ThatGrapeJuice: iHeartMedia Announces “Guaranteed Human” Rule Banning AI Voices and Content
• Insideradio.com: Bob Pittman On AI, Podcasting And Why Trust Matters Most At iHeart

iHeartMedia prominently leveraged AI through SpeechLab to expand global podcast reach with multilingual episodes, cloning host voices to preserve personality, with CEO Conal Byrne emphasizing growth in international listenership and plans for further expansion.

• Radio World: Found in Translation at iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia scaled up AI-translation capabilities with Speechlab voice cloning, enabling podcast shows to stream in six languages including Spanish, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Hindi, and Mandarin with quality controls from native speakers.

• Digiday: How iHeartMedia kept the essence of its AI-translated podcasts
• Insideradio.com: iHeartPodcasts Launches AI-Translated Shows In Six Languages

iHeartMedia formalized experimental generative AI services within its internet services framework, reflecting cautious advancement in AI content generation offerings.

• iHeartMedia: iHeartMedia Terms of Use Include Generative AI Services

iHeartMedia explored and tested generative AI tools to assist programmers with music decisions and translate podcasts into multiple languages, aiming to unlock new AI-driven revenue streams as noted by CEO Bob Pittman.

• Insideradio.com: How iHeart Is Using AI To Help Make Music Decisions
• CES.tech: The Future of Audio: iHeartMedia's Vision for 2024
• Digiday: How podcast networks are testing AI tools for faster translation and ad sales
• Radio Ink: AI stands for 'Alternative Income' as iHeart posts 2023 financials
• Insideradio.com: Parlez-Vous Podcasts? iHeart Testing AI For Show Translations

iHeartMedia announced plans to fully embrace AI while managing expenses aggressively; however, it banned ChatGPT use by employees citing compliance and risk control, preferring proprietary AI solutions.

• radioworld.com: iHeartMedia Plans to Use Artificial Intelligence to the Fullest
• Radio & Television Business Report: No ChatGPT Without OK, iHeartMedia Tells Staff
• TheDesk.net: iHeartMedia bans employees from using ChatGPT for work
• Country Aircheck: iHeartMedia Memo Re: AI

Launch of next-generation podcast brand safety tools powered by AI and ML from Sounder, enhancing advertiser confidence through episode-specific brand safety assurance.

• iHeartMedia, Inc.: iHeartMedia Launches Next-Generation Podcast Brand Safety Tool Powered by Sounder
• The Drum: iHeartMedia harnesses AI to power new brand safety tools for podcast advertisers

iHeartMedia partnered with Sounder and Veritone to use AI and machine learning for podcast intelligence, multi-language translations, and voice synthesis to expand podcast accessibility globally.

• martech.org: iHeartMedia partners with Sounder to provide intelligence for creators, audiences and brands
• veritone.com: iHeartMedia to Utilize Veritone Voice Technology to Translate and Produce Podcasts for New Markets

iHeartMedia replaced hundreds of DJs and employees citing significant AI investments, deploying AI-driven music mixing systems initially tested in 2018 to automate operations and reduce costs.

• Digital Music News: iHeartRadio Replaces Hundreds of Workers With AI
• Music Business Worldwide: iHeart jobs cull: Over 50 DJs and employees out as firm cites significant investment in Artificial Intelligence
• The Washington Post: iHeartMedia laid off hundreds of radio DJs. Is AI to blame?

iHeartRadio launched a pioneering AI technology to enable seamless audio transitions in digital music services, enhancing listener experience by eliminating gaps between songs.

• iHeartMedia, Inc.: iHeartRadio Launches First-Of-Its-Kind AI Technology To Deliver Unparalleled Digital Listening

Veritone enhanced its AI offerings with iHeartMedia, providing more comprehensive real-time AI-based solutions for broadcast stations.

• cloudfront.net: Veritone Expands Relationship with iHeartMedia and Now Provides More Comprehensive AI-Based Solutions

Veritone expanded its AI solutions to over 200 iHeartMedia broadcast stations, marking the company's initial large-scale adoption of AI technology for media operations.

• veritone.com: Veritone Expands Relationship with iHeartMedia