Austin TV Station Demonstrates Strategic AI Integration for Content Creation

KXAN Austin has produced an innovative promotional campaign that showcases the thoughtful integration of AI tools alongside human creativity. The "Tap that App" promo demonstrates how media organizations can leverage AI as a starting point while maintaining authentic, locally-produced content.

The project began with Director of Marketing Erik Candiani writing original lyrics and using the AI tool Suno to create a full-length musical track. However, recognizing Austin's rich musical heritage, the station chose to have local artists Vance and Spice rerecord the song, using the AI version as a scratch track foundation.

Strategic AI Implementation Approach

Human-AI Collaboration Model
Rather than relying entirely on artificial intelligence, KXAN used AI for initial legwork while ensuring core creative decisions remained human-driven. This hybrid approach allowed for efficiency gains without sacrificing authenticity.

Local Authenticity Priority
Despite AI capabilities, the station prioritized working with local talent and studios, demonstrating how organizations can balance technological efficiency with community values and brand identity.

AI as Enhancement Tool
The station also utilized AI for "impressively executed compositing," showing practical applications beyond content generation—using AI to enhance production quality and visual effects.

Production Credits

• Producer/Editor: Seth Skuza
• Camera operators: Seth Skuza, Riley, Brooke Blackwood
• Music: Omar Vallejo and Erik Candiani
• Performers: Vance & Spice
• Voice over: Beau Weaver
• AI integration: Erik Candiani

This case study illustrates how media organizations can strategically integrate AI tools to improve efficiency and capabilities while maintaining human oversight, local connections, and creative authenticity—a blueprint for other content creators considering AI adoption.

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