NBC will use AI version of Al Michaels’ voice for Olympics coverage

NBC announced on Wednesday that will use artificial intelligence to replicate the voice of renowned sportscaster Al Michaels in a new tool aimed at complementing its traditional coverage of the Olympic Games this summer.

The tool, called “Your Daily Olympic Recap on Peacock,” uses AI software to create a personalized 10-minute playlist with highlights from the previous day’s event. The daily recap will be narrated by an AI recreation of Michaels’ voice, which, the company says in its press release, “matches his unique experience and elocution.”

The announcement comes as AI becomes increasingly prevalent in everyday life, raising questions about its role in creative industries, including journalism and media. Michaels appeared to acknowledge these concerns in his press release.

“When I was approached about this, I was skeptical but obviously curious,” Michaels said. “Then I saw a demo detailing what they had in mind. I said, ‘I’m in.'”

NBC said a team of NBCUniversal editors will review all content, including audio and clips, featured in recaps “to ensure quality and accuracy before recaps are made available to users.”

NBC said the technology uses hundreds of clips produced by NBC Sports every day, totaling 5,000 hours of live coverage from Paris, where sometimes 40 events are taking place at the same time, according to NBC. AI technology will enable nearly 7 million personalized versions of daily recaps.

The tool will be available to subscribers of NBC’s streaming platform, Peacock, where users will be able to access recaps via the home page or through the “Olympics Hub”. The Opening Ceremony will take place on July 27th. Personalized daily recaps will be available starting July 28th, after the first full day of events.

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