Uses of Artificial Intelligence in the Radio Production Cycle: A Framework for AI Tool Classification

Abstract

The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing radio production, offering significant advantages over traditional methods. AI, much like digitalization did, challenges existing production structures and routines, forcing the industry to adapt to technological and market changes. This work identifies three types of AI: analytic, which detect patterns and foresee future situations; assistive, which execute mechanical tasks in an automated manner; and generative, which simulate creative processes and produce content. To contextualize the different functions, six phases have been established in the radio production cycle (Ideation, Research, Production, Distribution, Interaction, and Archiving), and in each phase, specific AI functions that contribute to the process have been identified. An inductive methodology based on the observation and analysis of 96 specific AI applications available in the market was used. Forty-five potential AI functions were identified, distributed across the six mentioned phases. The results highlight that AI can streamline the production process and add value to the final product. The main conclusions emphasize the need for new skills and roles in the industry, as well as the importance of ethical supervision to prevent misinformation and biases.