First Lady Melania Trump has released an audiobook version of her memoir, opting for an artificial intelligence-generated narration in her own voice, rather than narrating it herself.
In a post on X, Trump announced, “I am honored to bring you Melania – The AI Audiobook – narrated entirely using artificial intelligence in my own voice. Let the future of publishing begin.”
While Trump is not the first individual to utilize AI in this manner, her decision to leverage the technology for her memoir has brought the use of AI in media creation to the forefront, raising questions about its potential impact on the industry and the future of media jobs.
Alex Connock, a senior fellow in management practice at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, told CNN that while it’s overly simplistic to predict an inevitable reduction in media jobs due to AI, it is equally unrealistic to expect no change in employment dynamics.
The audiobook, described on Trump’s website as “created under Mrs. Trump’s direction and supervision,” features an AI-generated replica of her voice, developed using technology from companies like Google and ElevenLabs. Experts note that the use of AI for voiceover work is becoming increasingly prevalent, as these technologies enable the easy conversion of text-based content into audio resembling podcasts.
Clay Shirky, vice provost for AI and technology in education at New York University, commented that while an immediate and complete replacement of human voiceover artists by AI is unlikely, Trump’s announcement represents a significant milestone in the growing adoption of AI in media.
The release of Trump’s audiobook coincides with the emergence of increasingly sophisticated AI tools from tech giants that allow users to effortlessly generate realistic video and audio content. In the same week as Trump’s announcement, Google unveiled an advanced version of its video generation model capable of creating audio, including dialogue, that aligns with the visual scene. Late last year, OpenAI launched its video creation tool Sora, which experienced such high demand that the company had to temporarily suspend sign-ups. Earlier this year, OpenAI faced a similar situation with its image generation tool, which gained significant popularity for its ability to produce images in the style of Studio Ghibli.
However, experts like Shirky suggest that AI-generated feature films are not imminent. The current state of the technology is more suited for creating short-form videos commonly found on social media platforms. It is more probable that TV networks and production companies will explore new avenues for integrating AI into existing programming. Connock, who consults with TV production companies, noted a substantial increase in interest in AI among industry professionals compared to the previous year, with producers expressing curiosity about creating AI replicas of TV personalities for interactive viewer experiences, driven by a desire to keep pace with social media creators.
Oren Etzioni, former CEO of the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence and professor emeritus at the University of Washington, suggests that AI could facilitate a shift from passive media consumption to interactive digital content, potentially allowing audiences to engage with AI representations of figures like Melania Trump about their work.
The launch of Trump’s AI-narrated audiobook also occurs against the backdrop of ongoing discussions about the potential for AI-generated content to displace human jobs across various industries, including media. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report indicated that a significant percentage of employers anticipate downsizing as generative AI becomes more integrated into work processes.
Concerns about job displacement have been particularly prominent in the media industry, evidenced by the Writers Guild of America’s strike in 2023, which partly aimed to prevent the replacement of writers by AI. The subsequent agreement established limitations on AI’s ability to write or rewrite literary material.
Experts agree that assessing AI’s future impact on media jobs is complex. While certain areas like voiceover work may experience rapid changes, roles requiring nuanced understanding and handling of sensitive data, such as investigative journalism, are likely to be more resistant to AI replacement. It is also plausible that companies will adapt their hiring practices to include professionals with expertise in AI, potentially leading to a shift in required skills rather than simply job cuts. Connock suggests that roles within development departments in media companies might evolve to include a blend of individuals with traditional arts backgrounds, professional coders, and academic researchers.
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