BBC To “Proactively Deploy AI” & Seek “Major Global Partnerships With Tech Players”

deadline.com:

The BBC is not shying away from artificial intelligence or the U.S. tech giants, according to its Director General. Delivering a set-piece speech this morning in London, Davie made working with tech giants and harnessing the controversial tech central to his plan to “radically transform and renew” the 100-year-old institution, while also putting forward the case for a “progressive” license fee. “We will proactively deploy AI on our terms, always holding on to our published principles,” Davie said, laying down a marker. “Never compromising human creative control, supporting rights holders and sustaining our editorial standards, but proactively launching tools that help us build relevance.” Davie, who has now been in post for three-and-a-half years, revealed that the BBC is working with “a number of major tech companies on BBC-specific pilots” and the “most promising” will be launched over the coming months. “Our ambition is significant,” he added. “We want to increase fact-checking of sources, use translation and reformatting technology to take our best content across media and languages.” Keen AI observers will note that Davie needs to tread carefully.

Late last week, the BBC said it will stop using AI for Doctor Who promotion after receiving complaints from viewers, which somewhat jarred with his proclamations this morning. No “walled garden” As the BBC bids desperately to attract more outside investment amid declining license fee income and soaring inflation, Davie said the corporation “needs more global partnerships with some of the tech players.” “Talk to the tech companies in the U.S.

who are under pressure and they will say you need deep pockets,” he added. “We bring an enormous amount of testing, R&D and are