September 26, 2025I’ve already seen people sharing that new Sounds Profitable study like it’s proof AI has no place in audio. Sounds Profitable Study Results, Radio Ink 

That’s not what it says at all.

The research shows listeners are resistant when their favorite podcast host gets replaced by an AI voice. That makes sense — people connect to personalities. You don’t want to swap out someone you’ve built a relationship with.

.But that’s not what I’m doing. I’m using AI voices in commercials and production — places where listeners already expect variety and different sounds. That’s a completely different use case. 

And even in the study, it’s not all negative: 21% actually said they’d be more likely to listen to AI-driven content, and in audiobooks, the majority of listeners are still open to AI narration. Gallup research also shows people who use AI trust it twice as much as those who don’t — and a lot of folks can’t even tell the difference anymore.

Bottom line: People don’t want to lose their favorite personalities. But AI in advertising and imaging? That’s just giving us, especially in markets where there are not big budgets for production resources more creative tools to make spots sound fresh and effective. 

 This is important at a time when radio needs to put a best food forward for advertisers. Utilizing whatever cost-effective tools necessary to deliver the highest quality is of utmost importance, especially NOW. If AI helps me help local businesses in my market stand out and become successful, then count me in.

On that note, if your station or business needs production that cuts through — I create commercials and jingles enhanced by AI that sound fresh, modern, and affordable. It’s the same approach that’s helped local advertisers in my market stand out and win. If you’d like to hear what’s possible, reach out at joecrashkelley1@gmail.com.