BBC Uses GenAI to Automate Subtitles

Company

BBC

Approach

Retrofit

Business Function

Service Operations

Industry

Technology & Media

Impact Area

Customer-Facing

Foundational Model

N/A

BBC uses Whisper AI to automate subtitle creation on BBC Sounds, tackling transcription challenges and enhancing content accessibility.

The BBC has integrated Whisper AI, a GenAI tool, into BBC Sounds to automate subtitle generation. This move targets accessibility improvements by addressing the time-intensive challenge of manually creating subtitles. Whisper AI produces high-quality transcripts from audio content, which are then reviewed by the BBC’s editorial team to ensure accuracy.

Initially, five programs, including “In Touch” and “Sporting Witness,” were selected for the trial. The process begins with Whisper AI generating subtitles, which are then reviewed and refined by human editors. This approach not only accelerates the subtitle creation process but also ensures a high standard of accuracy, crucial for the BBC’s diverse audience.

By automating transcription with GenAI, the BBC significantly reduces the time and labor required for subtitle production. Offering a faster and more reliable service. This tool also expands accessibility, allowing more users to enjoy BBC Sounds’ content with subtitles, improving user engagement and inclusivity.

Subtitles are currently available on the web version of BBC Sounds, with plans to extend transcript availability to the iOS app. The BBC continues to explore the potential of GenAI to enhance its services, making content more accessible to all.

Key Takeaways:

The BBC has initiated a trial using a Generative AI tool, Whisper AI, to add subtitles and transcripts to BBC Sounds content.

Whisper AI generates high-quality transcripts of audio content, which are then reviewed by the editorial team for accuracy.

A review of the trial will be conducted after three months to assess its effectiveness and potentially expand to additional shows.

Subtitles are currently available on the web version of BBC Sounds, while transcripts are accessible on the Android app, with plans to roll out to iOS in the coming weeks.