As the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris approach, a well-known announcer is preparing to contribute to the Games coverage. However, veteran NFL play-by-play broadcaster Al Michaels will not be the one behind the microphone. Instead, NBC has announced that an artificial intelligence-generated version of Michaels’ voice will be utilized for Olympic recaps. This AI-powered voice will be used to narrate Olympic video highlights for the company’s streaming platform.
Fans will have the opportunity to personalize the recaps based on their preferences and view key moments from specific sports. This innovative feature, integrated into “Your Daily Olympic Recap on Peacock,” will offer highlight packages of up to 10 minutes in length.
According to NBCUniversal, this “first-of-its-kind, personalized experience” is expected to offer millions of potential customizations. Michaels initially had reservations about the idea, but he eventually embraced the concept of having an AI-backed version of his voice narrate sports highlights.
Having previously worked during the Olympic Games, Michaels is no stranger to iconic moments. He famously called the “Miracle on Ice” game during the 1980 Olympics when the United States national ice hockey team defeated the USSR. His legendary line, “Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” from that game is still remembered in U.S. Olympic history.
Michaels has been with NBC Sports since 2006 and has been the lead announcer for “Sunday Night Football.” In 2022, he also began calling games for Amazon Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football.” The upcoming 2024 season will mark Michaels’ milestone 40th year as an NFL primetime play-by-play announcer.
While some may question the use of AI-generated voices in sports broadcasting, it is clear that technology is playing an increasingly significant role in enhancing the viewer experience. The ability to customize recaps and tailor content to individual preferences represents a new frontier in sports media consumption.
As we look ahead to the Paris Olympics and the coverage that will accompany it, the integration of AI-generated voices like that of Al Michaels signals a shift towards more personalized and engaging sports content. It will be interesting to see how this innovative approach to broadcasting impacts the way fans interact with and enjoy the Games.
