Media executives at Deloitte’s Media & Telecoms 2024 Conference engaged in lively debates regarding the implications of generative AI on journalism and the media industry. Key topics included AI’s impact on content creation, the risks of deepfakes, and the need for transparency and copyright respect in AI collaborations. Industry leaders from prominent media organisations shared insights on AI’s transformative potential and its role in customer service, while addressing concerns about job displacement and educational impact.
Generative AI Debates at Deloitte’s Media & Telecoms 2024 Conference
On Tuesday, Deloitte’s Media & Telecoms 2024 and Beyond Conference in London hosted a panel where media executives debated the implications of generative AI. Panel members included Anna Bateson (Guardian Media Group), Dominic Carter (The Sun), Anna Jones (Telegraph Media Group), Rich Caccappolo (DMG Media), and Rachel Corp (ITN). The discussion focused on potential AI deals and their impact on journalism.
Carter emphasized that AI cannot replace journalism, highlighting the risks of deepfakes, especially during election seasons. The panel discussed a recent deal between The Sun owner News Corp. and OpenAI. Both Carter and Bateson stressed the importance of control, transparency, and respect for copyright in AI collaborations.
Jones suggested that fair compensation from AI deals would allow reinvestment into journalism. Corp highlighted the importance of fact-checking to combat misinformation.
Following the panel, Amazon UK’s John Boumphrey described generative AI as transformative, as did Liberty Global CEO Mike Fries, who noted AI’s efficiency in customer service. Google’s Matt Brittin and investor Sherry Coutu discussed AI’s development and potential impact on jobs and education.
The conference also featured notable speakers from Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, Sky, and Walt Disney, addressing the evolving role of AI in the media industry.
