Updated: October 2, 2024 | 12:00 am
WITF Produces “AI: Unpacking the Black Box” to Spotlight the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Society
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Christina Zeiders
[Harrisburg, Pa.] – Artificial intelligence, or AI, is prolific in everyday life, but many people have a hard time spotting what’s real and what’s fake. WITF Original Production, “AI: Unpacking the Black Box,” hopes to offer some clarity by breaking down the past, present and future of AI’s impact on society.
The eight-episode series, hosted by York-based technical futurist John McElligott, features thought leaders who explain the history of AI, how it is currently used, and its potential future impact on education, healthcare, manufacturing, the arts and more.
The series was created to add transparency to the technology of AI so viewers could better understand it, feel empowered to try it for themselves, and ask questions about it.
“Rather than focus solely on what AI will be capable of next, ‘AI: Unpacking the Black Box’ will place the focus on people living in the age of AI,” said Fred Vigeant, WITF Vice President and Chief Audience Officer. “AI already impacts our day-to-day lives. We hope this series will foster a curiosity about the use of AI technology.”
Viewers will hear from professors and teachers about how AI affects education and job training. Faith leaders will share how AI might affect belief systems, engineers will share its impact on manufacturing, and artists will discuss how it might shape the creative industry.
The series also pulls imagery, audio and video generated from AI. You’ll see visual changes over the length of the series, which showcase the refinements in AI technology over time.
“We’re really excited to lean into AI-generated visuals and audio,” said McElligott. “This will be the first show created this way, using artificial intelligence for 95% of the imagery used in the series. We are using different AI models in the series, so you’ll see the AI-generated video improve and change with each episode. There is even an AI-generated avatar of me, that looks, talks and sounds like me, but isn’t really me! It’s wild.”
“AI: Unpacking the Black Box” premieres Wednesday, October 2 at 7:30pm on WITF TV and is available to stream online, or using the PBS app. New episodes will release every other week on Wednesdays at 7:30pm through January 8.
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About WITF Inc.
WITF is a trusted, valued supplier of programs and services that both satisfy and stimulate curiosity for residents in every community in the central Pennsylvania region. WITF broadcast services and educational programs reach audiences in over 19 counties in central Pennsylvania. The company comprises public broadcasting stations WITF TV, WITF 89.5 & 93.3, witf.org, WITF Educational Services, and Media Solutions. WITF is a Pennon organization; learn more at pennon.org.
About Pennon
Pennon is home to local Central Pennsylvania organizations WITF, LNP|LancasterOnline, The Steinman Institute for Civic Engagement and Pennon Education. We build common ground, showcase local stories and inspire learning so Central Pennsylvanians can play an active part in community good. Pennon provides access to local news and information, innovative educational programming and community engagement for a more informed, engaged and connected Central Pennsylvania. For more information visit Pennon.org.
For more information, please contact: Christina Zeiders, christina_zeiders@witf.org, 717.910.2621 (office), 717.380.0548 (cell)
For show art, logo and photo of host John McElligott: 2024 AI Unpacking the Black Box
