Bertelsmann, a leading name in the European media landscape, has entered into a significant collaboration with the London-based AI firm ElevenLabs, aiming to leverage advanced artificial intelligence technologies to enhance its production processes and innovate across various business segments. This initiative is expected to unlock new product offerings while also improving efficiencies in the marketing and distribution of existing properties.
Bertelsmann is one of the largest media conglomerates in Europe, boasting an impressive portfolio that includes RTL Group, a powerhouse of television channels across multiple countries including Germany, the Netherlands, France, Hungary, and Luxembourg, along with Fremantle, a major production company. The conglomerate also owns Penguin Random House, the world’s foremost book publisher, as well as BMG, a prominent player in the music industry, alongside its marketing, education, and investment wings.
The partnership is envisioned to utilise ElevenLabs' capabilities in "lifelike voice and sound generation" within its audio production tools. These technologies are expected to provide crucial support throughout the production and pre-production phases for various Bertelsmann divisions. The intention behind integrating these AI tools is to enhance creativity and productivity across Bertelsmann’s diverse units, thus enabling a more vibrant creative output and potentially leading to the development of compelling new products.
Rhys Nölke, chief data officer for Bertelsmann, commented on the partnership, stating, “With Bertelsmann’s Tech & Data Alliance and its recently founded AI Hub we have been at the forefront of applying new technologies across our businesses and building partnerships to accelerate the adoption of GenAI solutions in our businesses. ElevenLabs’ sophisticated AI solutions are cutting edge, ensuring high quality and multi-language audio experiences.” This sentiment underscores both companies' commitment to integrating innovative technologies in their operations.
The collaboration with ElevenLabs holds significant promise, particularly in the realm of audio production. ElevenLabs has built its reputation on creating high-quality AI models derived from licensed source material, having recently secured pacts with notable figures from the media and entertainment sectors. Noteworthy licensing agreements include those with the estates of late celebrities such as Judy Garland and Burt Reynolds, along with a deal involving health and wellness expert Deepak Chopra. This agreement not only enables Chopra’s distinctive voice to be used for audiobooks on ElevenLabs’ platform but also involves the creation of an AI chatbot trained on Chopra’s extensive body of work, allowing interactive experiences for users.
Mati Staniszewski, CEO of ElevenLabs, shared insights into the partnership's potential impact, noting, “Together with Bertelsmann, we want to push what’s possible in storytelling. Whether it’s crafting richer audio, speeding up production, or making content accessible across languages, our work together is about finding new ways to bring creators and their audiences closer.”
Currently, 36 units within the extensive Bertelsmann group are already utilising ElevenLabs' AI tools to some extent. This early adoption highlights the readiness within Bertelsmann to integrate AI into its creative processes as it seeks to redefine how content is produced and consumed in an increasingly digital-driven environment.
The cooperation reflects a shared aim between both companies: using AI technologies to empower creators in their craft rather than replacing their roles. This perspective is poised to shape the future landscape of media production, illustrating the transformative potential of AI in reshaping business practices across various sectors.
Source: Noah Wire Services