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Jeff Zucker: AI Won't Replace Journalists
3 Dec, 2025
Summary
- AI is seen as an opportunity to reduce production costs.
- AI will not replace journalists' ability to break stories.
- Live events and sports production offer significant opportunities.
Jeff Zucker, head of RedBird IMI, views artificial intelligence as a significant opportunity for the media and entertainment sectors. He articulated that while AI can dramatically lower production expenses, it will not replicate the nuanced human emotion present in artistic creations or the critical, on-the-ground work of investigative journalism. Zucker sees AI as a valuable tool for news organizations, enhancing their capabilities rather than supplanting their core functions.
Looking ahead, Zucker predicts immense change in the entertainment industry over the next five years, driven by AI and the burgeoning creator economy. He stressed that despite evolving consumption methods, the demand for professionally and creator-produced content will persist. He also highlighted the strategic importance of live events and sports production, noting that adjacencies to sports teams, such as new leagues and related programming, represent substantial growth potential.
RedBird IMI's expansion into live events and sports, exemplified by its involvement with Front Office Sports and EverWonder, underscores this focus. Zucker believes these areas, particularly live sports and production, are less susceptible to disintermediation. His perspective contrasts with some in Hollywood who view AI with apprehension, emphasizing its potential as an enabler for both established companies and independent creators.
