AI Michael Parkinson Podcast Divides Opinion Over Ethics and Effectiveness

The release of 'Virtually Parkinson,' featuring an AI recreation of the late talk show host, has sparked criticism from comedians and skepticism about AI's role in entertainment.

The podcast 'Virtually Parkinson,' which uses AI to recreate Michael Parkinson's voice, debuted with an interview featuring singer Jason Derulo.
Comedian Jenny Eclair criticized the project as a 'terrible idea,' citing concerns about competition in the crowded podcast space and its impact on living creators.
Producers defended the podcast as an exploration of AI's relationship with humans, emphasizing that it created 15 new jobs and was supported by Parkinson's family.
Critics, including gardening presenter Monty Don, highlighted the AI's lack of human responsiveness and conversational nuance during interviews.
The project raises broader ethical and practical questions about AI's role in preserving legacies and its potential to disrupt creative industries.