Posts made in September, 2016

on Sep 27, 2016

By Jessica Goodfellow Channel 4’s on-screen diversity executive Ramy El-Bergamy thinks it’s easier for digital companies like Google or Facebook to be diverse businesses than it is for broadcasters because “they are constantly evolving” whereas TV is a “very closed network” that needs to undergo a whole shift in mindset. Speaking at Maxus Diversity Week, El-Bergamy told attendees that the pressures on TV are very different to those on a digital company, where “you are only as good as your last commissioner in television”. When commissioners are starting a new show they often try and work with the same people who they know can Read full story › Source: The Drum...

on Sep 27, 2016

By John McCarthy The Sony Computer Science Laboratory (CSL) has made a further advance in the application of artificial intelligence by using it to create a bizarre pop track called ‘Daddy’s Car’. Created by AI software Flow Machines, the software analysed “a huge database of songs” and then derived the styling and combinations to produce a record in the style of The Beatles. A total of 13,000 songs were entered into the machine from which a melody and harmony were created. From there, French composer Benoît Carré arranged and produced the songs, and wrote the lyrics. Sony CSL said that its music research “leads to new Read full story › Source: The Drum...

on Sep 27, 2016

By Laurie Fullerton Although the first presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump became the most tweeted political event ever in the U.S. according to Twitter; journalists inside Hofstra University in New York were reportedly forced to shut down personal hot spots and pay for an expensive and overloaded WiFi connection which was spotty during much of the debate. “Technicians patrolling #debatenight press file using this device to detect and shut down hotspots, so they can sell $200 wifi accounts instead,” tweeted Politico reporter Kenneth Vogel, along with a photo of a signal-tracking device. Vogel also said that it was Read full story › Source: The Drum...

on Sep 27, 2016

By Matt Spector Stemming a polling slide, a candidate back in the picture – but Trump is not yet vanquished, writes Matthew Spector. Last night’s debate at Hofstra University in Long Island dictated a new phase for the campaign, a sobering reminder of the state of a global conversation about progress, and a litmus test of increasing polarization in the States. The fourth estate was on trial as well, as NBC News sought to remake expectations in the role moderator Lester Holt would play. It did not disappoint: Clinton notched a win to dramatically underscore her fitness for the presidency. But among his passionate Read full story › Source: The Drum...

on Sep 27, 2016

By John McCarthy Sainsbury’s is piloting one-hour grocery deliveries distributed by cyclist couriers across London, a return to its roots almost 130 years ago where it offered a similar service. iOS app Chop Chop is available in Chelsea, Westminster, Fulham, Battersea, Southwark, Wandsworth and Wilmbledon. For a flat fee of £4.99, a team of 40 London-based cyclists and grocery pickers are ready to answer the call with consumers able to order up to 20 items. Attempting to hit back against Amazon Fresh, which coupled with Dash and Echo devices can provide convenient kitchen essentials for Prime members, was first to market on grocery deliveries. <div Read full story › Source: The Drum...