Can AI revolutionize media without sacrificing creativity and jobs? My latest episode was recorded spontaneously at the Streaming Media Conference in New York, starting with media cartographer Evan Shapiro to explain and caution us about the current media landscape, especially regarding connected TV challenges.

Evan, who helmed and shaped the conference, walks the innovation talk, opting to spark  debate and dialogue instead of the usual talking head format. 

“We wanted this to be a collision of different points of view and honest conversations about the real problems the media universe is facing right now,” Evan explained.

Per his keynote conversation with Paramount Advertising COO Steve Ellis, Evan stressed how interoperability will be the lifeblood of premium CTV content to stay competitive against tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Walmart…or face big changes in business.

“The notion of interoperability now is just table stakes. If you’re gonna compete against Google and Amazon on connected television, that’s how you’re gonna have to operate.”

Catch Evan’s POV on that, the new Nielsen Gauge, and more in his extensive content offerings: https://linktr.ee/ESHAPTV

Next, Robert Tercek joined to tackle some of the most controversial topics in artificial intelligence and media, from legal battles over using copyrighted works for training LLMs to fears of AI displacing jobs.

Robert is a renowned strategist, global authority on digital innovation, award-winning author, and educator — AND the co-host of The Futurists podcast (which is emblematic of his approach to digital creativity and embracing AI.) He says the media industry has often reacted to technological advances (remember Hollywood’s reaction to the VCRs?) with trepidation, but he challenges dystopian views, saying AI should be seen as a powerful tool, not a threat.

“My recommendation is you should lean into AI. Right now is a great time to get smart about it. This is a tool that potentially can give you superpowers.”

Providing an unexpected master class in copyright history and best practices, his was a passionate plea for embracing change and innovation.

“Half of humanity is below average as writers. If ChatGPT can make that half consider themselves better writers, then that’s a net win for humanity.”

And as I joked, “and a net loss for me as a writer?” (Note: These show notes were partly AI-assisted!) Not to worry, as he believes unique human qualities like curiosity remain irreplaceable, even as AI levels the playing field. (Don’t miss my discussion on synthetic voice in Epi 20 with John Rosso, as well.) 

Read about Robert at: https://roberttercek.com/

And subscribe now so you don’t miss Part 2 with more insights from Evan, joined by 17-year-old Braden Blacker who is already leveraging digital media full time to “disrupt the creator economy.” These engaging discussions offer a balanced perspective on ensuring CTV, AI, and content advances enhance, not hurt, human creativity. Listen, learn, and join us in welcoming the future.  

Key Moments:

01:13 Media Cartographer, Evan Shapiro with candid Media Industry Insights

03:36 Creating Debates for a More Compelling Conference

08:58 Robert Tercek on AI and Media, Copyright Changes and Jobs

15:41 The Positive Potential of AI

21:12 Blended Authorship and Copyright Evolution

26:03 AI’s Role in Creative Expression, and the Future of Writing

31:28 Synthetic Voices and AI in Media

35:53 Opportunities and Ethical Considerations in AI

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