Futuri Media’s new RadioGPT artificial intelligence technology will be used at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications to create a personality called “Q,” which will be heard on its audio R&D platform GHQ.
The two organizations said the learnings from this effort “will help the radio industry develop best practices in the effective and ethical use of AI in their operations.” They already partner on GHQ, a campus audio entertainment platform where Futuri technology is used.
“GHQ will be one of the first radio stations in the world to use RadioGPT’s AI to better connect to audiences,” the school said in its announcement. GHQ, created in 2016, airs a CHR format that can be heard via a translator at 95.3 and the HD-3 channel of WUFT in Gainesville-Ocala. The college’s Division of Media Properties has numerous other media channels including FM, AM and TV stations.
As we’ve reported, RadioGPT scans social media and other online content sources to identify topics trending in a given market; it then uses the GPT-4 generational AI technology to write a relevant script, and it voices it with artificial intelligence. It also creates content for AI-driven social posts.
Alpha Media’s KBFF(FM) in Portland, Ore., has been experimenting on-air with RadioGPT, creating an AI version of air personality Ashley Elzinga and generating plenty of pushback.
Now in Florida, UFCJC will create “Q,” an AI personality that will develop and read scripts giving hourly updates about weather, events and other news for Gainesville. “The content will be provided by GHQ staff, and Q will enhance for broadcasting,” according to the announcement.
“As part of their R&D partnership, UFCJC and Futuri will analyze how effective the technology is in connecting with the radio station’s audience.”
The university describes the GHQ initiative as a dynamic multi-platform station run by students using mobile, social and digital audience engagement technology from Futuri. “This research and development lab, operated with help from the college’s professional staff, is implementing audio-based app features and testing engagement, acceptance and likability through digital and social platforms in UF’s 50,000+ student community,” according to its website.
The new agreement was announced by Randy Wright, executive director of the college’s Division of Media Properties, and Daniel Anstandig, CEO and founder of Futuri. Wright said that because the school operates in both public and commercial broadcasting, it can create real-world test scenarios in its media operations and give students experience working with AI applications.
[Read Radio World’s April interview with Daniel Anstandig about RadioGPT.]
