Mass-produced AI podcasts disrupt a fragile industry

Even if listener tastes don't change significantly, a glut of AI podcasts can 'still impact the art form', independent podcasting where most programmes are barely managing to stay afloat, say experts. — Pixabay

NEW YORK: Artificial intelligence now makes it possible to mass-produce podcasts with completely virtual hosts, a development that is disrupting an industry still finding its footing and operating on a fragile business model.

Since Google launched Audio Overview, the first mass-market podcast generator that creates shows from documents and other inputs, just over a year ago, a wave of startups has rushed in, from ElevenLabs to Wondercraft.