BBC Chief Says AI-Made Doctor Who Episode Was 'Pretty Good'
BBC Director General Matt Brittin revealed he was sent a 50-minute AI-generated Doctor Who episode, calling it pretty good while insisting AI won't replace humans.
BBC Director General Matt Brittin has revealed he was sent a 50-minute AI-generated episode of Doctor Who, and described the result as "pretty good."
Speaking at the RTS London Convention with BBC presenter Kirsty Young, Brittin said everyone now has the ability to create content almost at the standard of a Hollywood studio. He also said he would allow a programme to be made and presented by AI, provided it operates within guardrails.
Despite the rapid advances, Brittin insisted AI is not going to replace humans. His comments come as the BBC undergoes a £500M ($662M) savings drive that is leading to hundreds of layoffs, with channel closures expected as soon as later this week and BBC Three understood to be in the firing line.
Brittin said he is having conversations with people whose jobs are at risk on a daily basis. Amazon international boss Kelly Day, also speaking at the event, said AI brings down costs, meaning more stories can be made.
The remarks, first reported by Deadline, underline the growing tension between AI's creative potential and its impact on jobs across the television industry.
Quick answers
What did the BBC Director General say about the AI-generated Doctor Who episode?
Matt Brittin said he was sent a 50-minute AI-generated episode of Doctor Who and described it as pretty good.
Will AI replace humans at the BBC?
Brittin said AI is not going to replace humans, though he would allow a programme to be made and presented by AI within guardrails.
Why is the BBC cutting costs?
The BBC is undergoing a £500M ($662M) savings drive that is leading to hundreds of layoffs, with channel closures expected as soon as later this week.