BRISTOL, Connecticut, Aug 28 (Reuters) – Walt Disney Co's (DIS.N) ESPN Networks is looking into using artificial intelligence to personalize its news and summary show “SportsCenter” as younger viewers turn to streaming TV, ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said on Monday.
Disney is planning to offer its flagship ESPN network as a standalone app for the first time next year, aiming to make it a top digital destination for sports fans.
The company envisions offering app users customized “sports centers” based on their interests, Pitaro told reporters at the company's Bristol, Connecticut, headquarters.
“AI will obviously be a big help in terms of personalization and clip generation, but also in terms of narration.”
The technology is already being used to narrate ESPN's investigative reporting, which Pitaro says he listens to on his commute to work.
“AI is not going to be as terribly disruptive as many people think. I personally believe that AI will be extremely helpful and beneficial to the sports industry and sports fans,” Pitaro said.
Disney is also working to add betting, fantasy sports, e-commerce and other features to the new app. The company launched its ESPN Bet app in November after signing a $2 billion deal with casino owner Penn Entertainment (PENN.O).
ESPN on Wednesday launched a “Where to Watch” feature that lets sports fans find games whether they're broadcast on ESPN or elsewhere. The feature is available on the current ESPN app and ESPN.com, which require a pay-TV subscription.
Pitaro said he is interested in negotiating the rights to offer baseball games and other sports in local markets, either through a new app or another venture.
Pitaro, the former head of Disney's consumer products business, has run ESPN since 2018. He has often been mentioned as a possible successor to Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger, who has said he will retire at the end of 2026.
Asked if he had changed his leadership style in light of the possibility of him being a candidate, Pitaro said, “Absolutely not.”
“I can say without hesitation that I have my dream job,” he said. “I feel blessed to be here. This is a really big time for ESPN.”
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Reporting by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Richard Chang
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