Her opening speech focused on the potential uses of generative Artificial Intelligence in podcast production – one of the hottest topics in the sector today – and drew on a comparative study published by Dr Maria Fitó in the magazine Comunicación y Hombre, analysing the most widely used podcasting software in 2024.
“As in all fields, podcasting is taking advantage of the benefits of Artificial Intelligence to streamline the work of creators. The question is with what level of quality and precision, and whether it might eventually ‘weaken’ our human capabilities from lack of use,” said the lecturer in an interview with the organisers of the Prosodia congress.
More than 200 professionals gathered to discuss the future of podcasting at the Cajasol Foundation in Seville for the third edition of this congress, which was previously held in Málaga. Maria Fitó’s speech marked the beginning of a series of talks on topics such as podcast monetisation, journalistic ethics, legislation, and intellectual property rights.
With a background as a podcast host and producer, as well as a researcher, Fitó notes that current voice-based generative AI still cannot replicate human prosody, which she describes as “the DNA of our speech.” “It can capture the tone, but not convey emotions, at least not yet,” explains the UIC Barcelona lecturer. Looking ahead to a likely future in which voice AI improves and synthetic voices dominate podcast platforms, Maria Fitó hopes that “handcrafted, imperfect products will still be appreciated.”
In an interview with ElDiario.es, the researcher stressed that legislation on AI is not advancing as swiftly as it should. The full implementation of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act will not take place until 2026. “During this time, AI will continue to progress rapidly, and we will not be able to exert the same punitive control as we will once the law is fully in force. Right now, we are giving it far too much freedom,” Fitó told the digital media outlet.
Beyond the potential misuse of AI, the industry professional clarified that synthetic voice is currently suitable for podcast continuity elements, such as intro jingles or separators, and for anything that does not require the conveying of emotions. She added that it is only a matter of time before AI is able to evoke emotions in listeners just as human voices do.
Other talks at Prosodia 2025 included a presentation by researcher Luis Miguel Pedrero, a lecturer leading the ESCUCHAD.es project, who shared an update on podcast production trends in Spain in 2024.
The event also featured several winners of the 2025 Ondas Global del Pódcast Awards, such as Manu Tomillo, Javi Caminero and Isabel Coello, who also won the 2025 Ortega y Gasset Journalism Award in the category of best story or investigative journalism.
