For Radio, AI Needs To Be A Supporting Player, Not The Star.

The rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping every corner of the entertainment industry — and the radio sector is no exception. That’s according to entertainment analyst Laura Fisher at MIDiA Research, who says the conversation in radio has shifted from “if we use AI” to “how we use AI.” However, Fisher says the industry can improve on its implementation of the technology.

In a recent insights piece titled “Is AI’s Role in Radio Misguided?” Fisher critiques the growing enthusiasm around AI-curated playlists, algorithm-driven music sequencing, and personalized digital station streams. While these innovations may echo trends in streaming services, she argues they miss the mark for radio.

“Radio’s core strength lies in its personality and local connection,” Fisher writes. “It is a medium built on trust and companionship, where the presenter acts as a guide, a familiar voice that provides context, shares stories, and creates a sense of community. This human touch is radio’s strategic advantage — a live, shared experience that cannot (yet) be replicated by an algorithm.”

By attempting to replicate the algorithmic mechanics of streaming platforms, radio risks eroding its most powerful differentiator, Fisher argues. AI-generated playlists, no matter how personalized, cannot reproduce the spontaneity of a host choosing a track on a whim or curating a themed hour inspired by personal passion. A great example was the in-the-moment reaction to the new release by Taylor Swift by many radio stations across the country. Fisher notes that these moments — the unexpected segue, the deep-cut gem, the story behind the song — are central to what makes radio emotionally resonant and uniquely engaging.

Instead of focusing on front-facing AI applications that displace human input, Fisher advocates for a strategic integration of AI that empowers rather than replaces. She outlines three key areas where AI can serve as a behind-the-scenes force for good: bolstering interaction without diluting the integrity of the live broadcast; lifting administrative burdens off creative teams, streamlining production workflows; and offering commercial upside through dynamic ad insertion — tailoring regional ads within national broadcasts.

This approach enhances relevance for listeners and increases advertising yield, all while maintaining a seamless and unified listening experience, Fisher says.

Her central thesis is clear: AI should reinforce the human elements of radio, not replace them.

“In an automated world, authentic human connection becomes a scarce and increasingly valuable commodity,” Fisher writes. “The industry’s pivot to AI must therefore be one of reinforcement, not replacement. By leveraging technology to fortify its human core, by making hosts more informed, interactions more vibrant, and operations more intelligent, radio will weather the AI storm.

“It can solidify its position as an indispensable, live, and human-centric medium,” she continues. “The ultimate success of AI in radio will be measured not by how automated it becomes, but by how human it continues to feel.”