NBC will use Al Michaels’ AI voice to narrate individual recaps of the 2024 Olympics

KI Al.

This opening sentence sounds better when spoken. I admit it’s a little confusing to hear it typed, so in case there’s any confusion, it says “artificial intelligence Al,” which is accomplished broadcaster Al Michaels. Got it, now? GreatLet us continue.

The media industry as a whole is in a strange position when it comes to artificial intelligence. On the one hand Advanced technology has caused problems for artists and others who have not given permission to use their voice. On the other hand, the development of AI has led to great things, such as Randy Travis can release new music.

Many companies have been hesitant (or very secretive) about using AI for voice recording, but NBC seems to be going full steam ahead with artificial intelligence with this latest development.

For the upcoming Summer Olympics, NBC will use artificial intelligence to recreate Al Michaels’ voice. His commentary will be used to supplement customized recaps of the 2024 Olympics on the Peacock app. At some point, Michaels must have agreed to let NBC use a computer-generated version of his voice, which makes me wonder… could Al essentially be commentating on football games forever?

Football fans may remember that Michaels was once one of the voices behind NBC’s Football on Sunday eveninguntil he jumped ship and joined Kirk Herbstreit to commentate Thursday night games for Amazon Prime Video. Michaels is actually still employed by NBCUniversal, albeit in an emeritus position, and so they were able to use his voice for this latest technological achievement.

Listen:

What do you think about that? I admit, it’s cool, but also a little creepy. Plus, Al Michaels is still alive, so what’s stopping him from going into the studio and recording a few lines that can be used? He’s been involved in so many memorable Olympic moments (does “Do you believe in miracles?” ring a bell?), and now this kind of feels like a cheap shortcut to include him further.

Michaels himself was apparently hesitant when the idea was first floated and only changed his mind after hearing a demonstration. After that he was “all in” and I’m sure what he was getting paid for all of this contributed to his “all in” attitude.