Where does AI narration actually work today, and where does it fall short? Blinkist built AI voices for narration over two years and stepped back when listener feedback showed they were not reaching the depth of human performance. Storytel is investing in the opposite conviction. And Hörbuch Hamburg brings the publisher's perspective: what casting, direction and human performance contribute to a story, and what that means for a publisher whose catalogue is built on that craft.

Three questions run through the session. What role will AI narration play in the audiobook business, and on what terms? What do listeners accept, and how much does that change from one genre to the next? And what implications could AI narration have for the market as a whole?

Moderation: 

• Chris Kling, CEO, Audatio

Panelists:

• Thomas Anderson, VP Content, Blinkist
• Helena Gustafsson, Chief Content & Publishing Officer, Storytel
• Colin Hauer, CEO, Hörbuch Hamburg