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In this episode of Age of AI, Medlir speaks with Seth Lewis, professor at the University of Oregon and a leading scholar of journalism, AI, and communication. The conversation explores what Lewis calls the “AI turn” in journalism: a moment when generative AI begins to challenge core ideas about authorship, creativity, trust, and professional identity. We examine how AI is moving from a backstage technology to an active participant in communication, how it shapes trust in society, and how we can retain our ability to ‘think’ in an age of AI.

Episode Links:

• https://www.sethlewis.org/
• Artificial intelligence and communication: A human–machine communication research agenda
• Technological Hype and AI in Journalism: Five Functions and Why They Matter
• Generative AI and its disruptive challenge to journalism: An institutional analysis
• The AI turn in journalism: Disruption, adaptation, and democratic futures

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In this episode, host Chris Lamont is joined by Christoph Regli, Swiss Air Force drone pilot, commercial airline pilot, and aviation scholar, to explore one of the most unsettling questions in civil aviation governance: would you trust an aircraft with no human pilot on board?

Drawing on his experience as a pilot, engineer, regulator, and researcher, Regli unpacks the regulatory, technical, and societal challenges of introducing AI pilots into the cockpit. The conversation moves beyond technology to examine trust, certification versus licensing, human versus machine judgment, and why aviation regulation, which is “written in blood,” poses unique obstacles to autonomous flight.

From sensor reliability and explainability to accountability, social acceptance, and the future of pilot training, this episode offers a rare insider perspective on why fully autonomous commercial aviation remains elusive and what would need to change before society is ready to board.


Links:

• On Automation of Flight Training of AI Pilots: A Formal Language to Particularize Flight Instruction Scenarios
• Could AI make flying more dangerous? | Christoph Regli | TEDxZHAW

This episode is part of a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C) 25K04983 project “Global Governance of Civil Aviation in the Indo-Pacific” 2025-2027

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Fresh off the 2025 Utah AI Summit, Utah’s Department of Commerce director Margaret Busse joins us to break down what really happened when policymakers, educators, and tech leaders came together to imagine a Pro Human future. We talk standout moments, surprises, and why Utah’s new Office of AI Policy is getting national attention. This conversation offers a clear view into how Utah is positioning itself at the forefront of responsible AI leadership.

Links:

• Margaret Busse
• Utah Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy
• Utah AI Summit