AI disruption and the future of media

AI technology has disrupted almost every industry worldwide, with the media sector seeing particularly profound changes. This raises critical questions about how journalists can adapt and what broader impacts will be on society.

The current “AI Horizons: The Future of Media” event, organised by the Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS) is providing a platform on which media professionals, scholars and the public are able to discuss the ethical implications and various aspects of AI integration.

It is also aimed at raising awareness about the role and influence of AI technology in shaping the future of the media landscape.

At the opening of the event, Dr. Wilasinee Phiphitkul, Director General of Thai PBS, delivered the keynote address on 'Envisioning the Future of Organisations with AI’, emphasising the national broadcaster's commitment to using AI to serve the public.

She highlighted Thai PBS's goal of developing services that more effectively connect with people through innovative technological approaches.

She added that, within the next five years, all Thai PBS content will include a text-to-speech service, with 40% also offering dialects and languages from neighbouring countries..

Dr. Wilasinee Phiphitkul, Director General of Thai PBS.

Journalistic ethics and professional conduct are of critical concern in the era of AI integration and Professor Emeritus Dr. Pirongrong Ramasoota, Commissioner of Thailand’s communications regulator (NBTC), stressed the need for a centralised generative AI framework for Thai media.

She noted that international media often blend open-source and closed-source AI models, adding that AI development for newsroom applications should always be conducted under proper and effective supervision.

Most importantly, Dr. Pirongrong emphasised the need for a collective effort to define core values, which will ensure that media organisations meet their responsibilities to society. This includes being transparent, accountable and open to public scrutiny.

Professor Emeritus Dr. Pirongrong Ramasoota, Commissioner of Thailand’s communications regulator (NBTC).

AI Horizons: The Future of Media features an interactive exhibition, showcasing AI technology in the newsrooms of Thai PBS, along with the AI Horizons Talk—a three-day forum divided into three thematic sessions: Media & Ethics in the AI Era, AI Innovation Showcases and Into the Future with AI Power.

The event is taking place at SCBX, Siam Paragon, from November 28– 30, 2024.