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AI is Now Being Used for Live Translations of Local Newscasts

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Sinclair has made history as the first broadcaster to introduce real-time, AI-powered language translation for local newscasts, a pioneering move aimed at making news more accessible to diverse audiences. The initiative, unveiled today, is being tested in four key markets—Baltimore (WBFF), San Antonio (KABB), West Palm Beach (WPEC), and Las Vegas (KSNV)—where viewers can now access live Spanish translations of local broadcasts. This groundbreaking step leverages cutting-edge artificial intelligence to dismantle language barriers, ensuring that non-English-speaking communities can stay informed with up-to-the-minute news, weather, and community updates.

The rollout marks a significant milestone in Sinclair’s ongoing efforts to innovate within the broadcast industry. By integrating live AI translation, the company is enhancing engagement and accessibility, allowing Spanish-speaking viewers to experience local journalism in real time. “At Sinclair, we are committed to leveraging innovative technology to expand access to local journalism,” said Rob Weisbord, Chief Operating Officer and President of Local Media at Sinclair. “By implementing live AI translation of our newscasts, we’re breaking down language barriers and ensuring that more viewers can engage with Sinclair’s trusted news coverage.”

You can find these AI powered translation feeds on YouTube here:

Baltimore/WBFF: https://www.youtube.com/@FOXBaltimore

San Antonio/KABB: https://www.youtube.com/c/KABBFOXSanAntonio

West Palm Beach/WPEC: https://www.youtube.com/@CBS12NewsWPEC

Las Vegas/KSNV: https://www.youtube.com/@News3LasVegas

Sinclair has partnered with Deeptune, a leader in generative AI language editing, to bring this vision to life. Deeptune’s technology enables seamless, accurate translations that preserve the integrity of the original broadcast. “We’re thrilled to partner with Sinclair on this groundbreaking implementation of our real-time AI translation technology,” said Tim Lupo, Founder and CEO of Deeptune. “This collaboration represents a significant step forward in making critical news accessible to diverse communities and demonstrates how AI can be deployed responsibly to serve the public interest.”

The initiative builds on Sinclair’s prior experimentation with AI, which began in 2024. Last year, the company deployed AI for language translation in “Petko Unfiltered,” a Tennis Channel series, as part of Tennis Channel International’s expansion into new territories. Additionally, Sinclair utilized AI during severe weather coverage at WPEC for Hurricane Milton, translating critical updates to reach broader audiences. The current test in four markets takes this technology a step further, applying it to live local newscasts for the first time in broadcast history.

Viewers in the participating markets can access this innovative service via their local Sinclair station’s YouTube channel. Links include Baltimore’s WBFF (FOXBaltimore), San Antonio’s KABB (KABBFOXSanAntonio), West Palm Beach’s WPEC (CBS12NewsWPEC), and Las Vegas’s KSNV (News3LasVegas). The streams offer a glimpse into how AI can transform the viewer experience, delivering real-time translations without interrupting the flow of live reporting.

Sinclair’s commitment to responsible AI use underpins this initiative. The company is an active member of the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) and the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), organizations dedicated to protecting content integrity and combating misinformation. Internally, Sinclair has established SAIF—Sinclair AI Forum—a cross-departmental workgroup tasked with overseeing AI governance, compliance, and strategic development. This ensures that as Sinclair pushes technological boundaries, it does so with accountability and transparency.

The launch of AI-powered live translation reflects Sinclair’s broader mission to adapt to a changing media landscape, where inclusivity and innovation are paramount. As the first broadcaster to implement such a system, Sinclair sets a precedent that could reshape how local news reaches underserved communities, proving that AI, when wielded thoughtfully, can be a powerful tool for public good.

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