Saga Communications, which owns 113 AM/FM radio stations across Central New York, Southern New England, and Vermont—including several in Syracuse—is transitioning its station imaging from traditional voiceover artists to AI-replicated human voices from a third-party provider.
🤖 Why AI for Station Imaging?
CEO Chris Forgy explains the move is driven by cost-efficiency. While Saga experienced a 4% drop in Q1 revenue to roughly $24 million and reduced operating losses to $2.3 million, the AI transition is helping the company avoid major layoffs. “The savings we generated… saved about 10 people who otherwise would have lost their jobs,” Forgy said. The new system uses AI models trained on human voice samples to craft consistent station IDs, promos, and imaging without sacrificing employment—Forge reassured listeners that on-air personalities will remain unaffected by this automation Barrett Media.
📋 What This Means for Listeners and Staff
- Voiceover talent eliminated: The company will no longer contract traditional voice artists for station imaging.
- AI does only imaging: On-air hosts and DJs will remain live and human, retaining the personal element audiences connect with.
- Automated promos and IDs: Expect uniform, AI-generated station voice segments across Saga’s network.
📈 Industry Trends & Considerations
- Broader AI adoption: Many outlets are already using AI for ads, news reads, and voiceovers to streamline production CNYRadio.com / CNYTVNews.com+6HeyGen+6Barrett Media+6.
- Human vs. AI balance: While AI offers cost savings and consistency, many experts stress the importance of maintaining genuine human voice talent to preserve emotional connection and listener trust CNYRadio.com / CNYTVNews.com+4NoteableAI.com+4HeyGen+4.
Bottom line: Saga Communications is embracing AI for station imaging as a strategic cost-saving measure—but recommits to retaining human connection by keeping its on-air personalities intact. It reflects a broader industry pivot toward integrating AI thoughtfully—not at the expense of the human voices listeners love.
