Media mogul Oprah Winfrey is set to host a groundbreaking television event on artificial intelligence. The primetime special, titled “AI and the Future of Us,” will air on ABC on September 12 at 8 p.m. ET. This show aims to explore AI’s impact on everyday life.
Tech Giants and AI Experts Join Oprah for In-Depth Discussions
Winfrey has assembled an impressive lineup of guests for this special. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates will headline the event. Other notable participants include content creator Marques Brownlee and FBI Director Christopher Wray.
The show promises to break down complex AI concepts for viewers. Altman will explain how AI works in simple terms. Gates will discuss AI’s potential impact on science, health, and education. Brownlee will showcase AI’s capabilities through hands-on demonstrations.
AI’s Impact on Society: From Job Markets to National Security
The special will cover a wide range of AI-related topics. Gates will warn about AI’s potential effect on the job market. FBI Director Wray will reveal how criminals and foreign adversaries are using AI. These discussions aim to highlight both the benefits and risks of AI technology.
Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin, co-founders of the Center for Humane Technology, will also join the conversation. They’ll discuss emerging risks posed by powerful AI systems. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marilynne Robinson will reflect on AI’s threat to human values.
Oprah’s Mission: Making AI Accessible to All Viewers
Winfrey’s goal for this special is clear: to make AI understandable and relevant to everyone. “AI may fascinate or scare you or if you’re like me it may do both,” she said in a promotional video. “So let’s take a breath and find out more about it.”
The show aims to provide a “serious, entertaining and meaningful base” for viewers to understand AI. It seeks to empower people to join one of the most important global conversations of the 21st century.
Behind the Scenes: Production and Availability
“AI and the Future of Us” is produced by Winfrey’s Harpo Productions. Executive producers include Winfrey herself, Carla Gardini, and Josh Tyrangiel of Backstory Partners. Jaime Eliezer Karas is directing the special.
For those who can’t catch the live broadcast, the show will be available to stream on Hulu the following day. This ensures that viewers have multiple opportunities to engage with this timely content.
