Mike Parkinson, the son of the late legendary chat show host Sir Michael Parkinson, has spoken out in defense of a new AI-powered podcast that brings his father’s voice back to life. The series, titled Virtually Parkinson, is an innovative project produced by Deep Fusion Films, with backing from Sir Michael’s family and estate. The eight-episode podcast will feature AI-generated versions of the broadcaster, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 88, interacting with a range of notable guests.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Mike Parkinson explained that the decision to create an AI version of his father was made with careful consideration. “I really wanted to make it clear to listeners that it was an AI iteration,” he said, emphasizing the importance of transparency in the project. The release of the podcast comes at a time when the use of artificial intelligence in creative fields is sparking widespread debate. Critics argue that AI should be used carefully and ethically, particularly when it comes to recreating voices or likenesses of deceased figures.
There are growing concerns in the broadcasting and entertainment industries that AI poses a threat to job security, as actors and broadcasters fear the technology could replace their work. In 2022, the union Equity launched its “Stop AI Stealing the Show” campaign, and the controversy surrounding AI in Hollywood played a significant role in the 2023 strikes. However, in the case of Sir Michael, whose career has ended with his death, the ethical debate shifts to whether it is appropriate to have an AI version of a deceased individual making statements they never actually said. The question of whether AI versions of iconic figures are something listeners even want is also at the heart of the discussion.
Mike Parkinson addressed these concerns, defending the project as ethically sound. He noted that Deep Fusion’s co-creators, Ben Field and Jamie Anderson, were fully aware of the legal and moral complexities of using AI to recreate a deceased person’s voice. “They are very ethical in their approach towards it, and they will not try to pass this off as real,” Mike said.
The podcast’s development stems from a conversation Parkinson had with his father before his death, in which they discussed the possibility of creating a podcast to explore Sir Michael’s vast interview archive. “Unfortunately, he passed away before it came true, which is where Deep Fusion came in,” Parkinson explained. He noted that Sir Michael, despite being somewhat of a technophobe, would have been “fascinated” by the project and its innovative use of technology.
One of the key selling points of Virtually Parkinson is its authenticity. Parkinson expressed amazement at how accurate the AI representation of his father was. “It’s extraordinary what they’ve achieved because I didn’t really think it was going to be as accurate as that,” he said. The AI version of Sir Michael has been trained to mimic his unique interviewing style, with the ability to carry out brand-new conversations with a range of guests.
Jamie Anderson, co-creator of the podcast, stressed that the AI version of Sir Michael is not intended to replace a human presenter. “The AI Michael is not replacing a presenter, it is a new podcast where Sir Michael’s legacy continues,” Anderson explained. He added that the AI would begin the interviews, but the conversation would then unfold naturally, with the guests driving the discussion.
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Despite this clarification, some commentators have raised concerns about the broader implications of using AI in such a context. If celebrity guests agree to be interviewed by the AI Sir Michael, it could potentially deprive a living journalist of the opportunity to conduct the interview, thus raising questions about the ethical use of AI in media.
Mike Parkinson explained that one of his main motivations for supporting the podcast was to reach a new, younger audience who may not have been aware of his father’s groundbreaking work. “It’s a wonderful way of extending the life of someone who was an outlier and a unique talent of his generation,” he said. The podcast, he added, would allow Sir Michael’s legacy to live on and offer a platform for his distinctive voice to continue inspiring listeners.
Although the guest list for the podcast remains a mystery, Anderson teased that it would feature a selection of “notable, noteworthy people.” With Sir Michael Parkinson’s illustrious career spanning seven decades, including interviews with some of the world’s biggest stars, Virtually Parkinson promises to offer a fresh take on the revered broadcaster’s legacy, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology.
As the conversation around AI and ethics continues to evolve, Virtually Parkinson represents a fascinating intersection of technology, legacy, and creativity—one that raises important questions about how we preserve and interact with the voices of the past.
