Ofcom is planning to test whether AI can help analyse news content at scale.
The work is one of the clearest points of interest for radio stations in Ofcom’s Strategic Approach to AI 2026/27, because it could involve the regulator using Large Language Models to support its own assessment work.
LLMs are AI systems trained on large amounts of text. They can read, summarise, classify and compare written material, then identify patterns across large volumes of content far more quickly than manual review.
For a radio station, that could mean Ofcom exploring whether AI can help review news scripts, transcripts, online articles or related published content as part of its regulatory work.
The pilot will focus on two use cases. The first is analysis of news content, while the second is analysis of online content to support prominence work.
Ofcom says: “We are looking at the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) to analyse content at scale, exploring the potential of LLMs to support our regulatory functions.”
The regulator also says it will continue to build its understanding of how AI is being used in UK broadcast, production and the wider media sector, and what is needed for safe, responsible adoption.
It identifies possible benefits for the creative industries, including greater efficiency and new workflows, but also points to barriers such as copyright uncertainty, skills gaps, reputational risk and technical limitations.
Ofcom also highlights risks from synthetic media, including misuse, reduced trust in content, especially news, and compliance and safeguarding challenges in live contexts.
