AI @ Warner Bros. Discovery

WBD initiated machine learning-driven stock investment strategies and filed a high-profile copyright infringement lawsuit against AI image generator Midjourney for unauthorized use of Batman and Superman IP, reflecting tension between AI innovation and IP rights.

• The Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery Sues Midjourney for Infringement
• Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery Sues Midjourney In Copyright Infringement Case

Warner Bros. Discovery launched generative AI-powered platforms in collaboration with AWS, like the Cycling Central Intelligence platform, to transform live event viewing; they also announced a cohort for their 2025 Accelerator Program featuring AI-powered startups like ViralMoment.

• SVG Europe: Warner Bros. Discovery launches generative AI-powered Cycling Central Intelligence platform in collaboration with AWS

Senior Director Deepa Paranjpe discussed expanding AI/ML applications for workflow improvements and ad campaign effectiveness, illustrating AI's growing role in content and advertising optimization.

• Warner Bros. Careers: A Deep Dive into AI and Machine Learning - WBD Careers

Appointed Anish Agarwal as VP of AI and Automation, reinforcing AI strategic leadership; launched generative AI tools to optimize content presentation and created AI-driven shoppable advertising units for interactive consumer engagement.

• Techcircle: Warner Bros. Discovery appoints new VP for AI, Automation
• Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Taps A.I. to Create Ads That Ask Consumers to Shop

Warner Bros. Discovery partnered with Google Cloud to deploy 'Caption AI' for automated closed caption generation on Max streaming service, significantly improving efficiency and reducing costs; AI also used for scriptwriting, story development, and video editing.

• Variety: Warner Bros Discovery's Max Using Google Gen AI for Captions
• PR Newswire: Warner Bros. Discovery Deploys AI-Powered Captioning Solution Built Using Google Cloud AI

CEO David Zaslav clarified AI use for ad targeting and content discovery but not for creating programming; the company faced investor pushback on full AI transparency reporting while rumors of replacing productions with AI-generated entertainment emerged.

• Nexttv: CEO David Zaslav On How Warner Bros. Discovery Is Using AI
• Bloomberg Law News: Warner Bros. Discovery Investors Spurn Proposed AI Use Report

Focus on machine learning applications in computer vision and NLP emerged with teams led by engineers like Frank Shen deploying ML models to keep media streams flowing.

• Warner Bros. Careers: Shaping the Future of Entertainment - WBD Careers
• Union.ai: How Warner Bros. Discovery keeps its media streams flowing

Warner Bros. began collaborating with Intel to use AI for applying video metadata to improve content discovery and audience connection.

• Intel Community: Warner Bros. Taps Intel AI to Connect Content and Audience