Plans for podcast series featuring AI-generated voice of Michael Parkinson

Plans are underway to digitally resurrect the legendary voice of Sir Michael Parkinson in an upcoming podcast series, employing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to bring the deceased talk show host back to the auditory forefront. Sir Michael’s son, Michael “Mike” Parkinson Jr, has affirmed that the initiative aligns with his father’s earlier musings about producing a podcast prior to his passing at the age of 88 last year.

During an appearance on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Mike Parkinson Jr elaborated on the project, expressing a desire to be transparent about the use of AI. The producers responsible, Deep Fusion, are reportedly conscientious about the ethical and legal ramifications of leveraging such technology. Mike Parkinson Jr emphasized, “They’re very aware of the legal and ethical issues, and they will not try to pass this off as real.”

The podcast concept draws on a playful notion shared between Mike and his father, imagining a series in which Sir Michael would interview iconic figures he never had the chance to face during his illustrious career. These include celebrated personalities like Frank Sinatra and Rita Hayworth. The fascinating twist, however, is that these interactions will be facilitated through AI, constructing an audio journey through uncharted analytical conversations.

Before his death, Sir Michael Parkinson had engaged in discussions about launching a podcast, a dream yet to be actualized at the time of his passing. Seeking ways to honour this vision, Mike Parkinson Jr approached Deep Fusion after his father’s death to explore the feasibility of using AI. To his surprise, it was not only possible but allowed for the creation of something even more expansive.

The younger Parkinson described his father as a “technophobe” but believed he would have been intrigued by the possibilities AI presents. He reflected on the uncanny accuracy of the AI-generated voice, sharing his astonishment at hearing Sir Michael’s voice articulate his own name. He remarked on the AI’s capability to “listen”, which mirrors the listening prowess that defined Sir Michael’s interviewing style.

This technological homage coincides neatly with Sir Michael’s legacy, as he was once a fresh face when the Parkinson show debuted on June 19, 1971. Mike Parkinson Jr hopes this innovative approach will engage new, younger audiences who might be unfamiliar with his father’s work.

Deep Fusion’s Jamie Anderson also shared insights about the eight-part podcast, revealing that it will feature interviews with prominent living individuals. He accentuated that the AI version of Sir Michael, engineered to mimic his interview approach and style, would independently conduct the sessions after an initial start.

Concerns regarding potential employment impacts were addressed by Anderson, who stated that the AI endeavour is not designed to replace existing presenters but rather to perpetuate Sir Michael’s legacy in a novel format.

The podcast is set to premiere on The Michael Parkinson Channel, hosted on YouTube, in the coming months. Sir Michael Parkinson, a revered figure in British television, left behind a rich legacy, along with his wife Mary, whom he married in 1959, and their three sons.

Source: Noah Wire Services