Spotlighting Role of Local Broadcasting
with Rise of Generative AI in Media Landscape

Generative AI

As policymakers consider the impacts of artificial intelligence on the media landscape, NAB has been spotlighting the critical role of broadcasters in providing trusted news, sports and entertainment to local communities and how this exploding technology could affect stations' ability to serve their audiences.

In May, NAB Vice President of Public Policy Anna Chauvet participated in the United States Copyright Office's listening session on the use of AI in relation to audiovisual content.

  • Chauvet noted that while the advent of AI technology brings potential for unlocking operational efficiencies in broadcasting, the ingestion of broadcasters' copyrighted content by AI models without authorization or compensation raises concern.

In November, NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt participated in a Senate AI Insight Forum hosted by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (NY) titled "Transparency, Explainability, Intellectual Property and Copyright."

  • LeGeyt emphasized how, as generative AI advances without guardrails, broadcasters are combatting online misinformation by dedicating teams to factcheck viral stories and claims. He also discussed how the use of AI to manipulate and distort information is a growing problem that must be addressed in balance with the First Amendment.
  • LeGeyt underscored concerns about the unauthorized ingestion of broadcasters' copyrighted content into AI systems without compensation, which risks further diminishing reinvestment in local journalism.
  • "Our nation is at a crucial crossroads where the trust, integrity and authenticity of journalism is at stake. America's broadcasters are extremely proud of the role we play in serving communities and combatting online misinformation across the United States," LeGeyt said in a written statement.

Why it matters:

The development of AI models should ensure the integrity of broadcasters' work and the trust that the public puts in it, as well as adequately compensate broadcasters for use of their valuable copyrighted content to encourage reinvestment in local journalism.