The Weather Network has launched a first-of-kind ad campaign using an AI-assisted avatar of their own Content Creator and Presenter, Rachel Schoutsen. The Weather Network partnered with Home Hardware to showcase storefront and local store callouts where Schoutsen’s avatar covers an Ontario summer forecast and a summer sale call to action, designed to drive traffic to Home Hardware locations across Ontario. All promotional materials include a clear disclaimer making viewers aware of AI-created content. In addition, the network says employee avatars are used with their consent. The Weather Network also recently launched Your Weather Assistant, a generative AI tool offering real-time personalized weather recommendations.

FEATURE: “As summer heats up across Canada, so do projects, holiday coverage, and media purchases. While many of us may leave our desks a little earlier on Fridays, numerous workers in live production are just arriving at job sites, gearing up for a busy month,” writes WABE President Tessa Potter in her June update. “The NHL playoffs in Edmonton, the Canada Open in Hamilton, CFL games, and Blue Jays matches herald the full swing of summer sports events.” Read more here.