Al Roker Says AI is Too Similar to His Name: ‘It should be A.I. or A-I’

Al Roker has raised some eyebrows regarding AI, but not in the way many might expect.

During an exclusive conversation with Us Weekly, alongside his wife, Deborah Roberts, at the Broadcast + Cable Hall of Fame Induction on Tuesday, September 30, Roker, 71, expressed his concerns about the abbreviation for artificial intelligence.

“I don’t mind AI so much as the sight of it in print—it consistently seems to read as ‘Al’. I believe it should be presented as A.I. or A-I, since headlines saying ‘Al Will Destroy Us’ put too much pressure on me,” Roker quipped.

Conversely, Roberts, 65, shared her more serious apprehensions about AI technology.

“AI makes me uneasy, as we’re still uncertain about its future. While digital innovations are exciting and many are diving deep, the landscape is quite different,” the seasoned TV personality conveyed to Us. “However, what excites me is the continued interest in our work, and I take great pride in that.”

The Broadcast + Cable Hall of Fame recognizes excellence in broadcast, cable, broadband, and streaming, celebrating both media pioneers and current stars. Previous inductees include notable names such as Dr. Phil McGraw, the ensemble from The View, and others.

This year’s inductees featured the likes of Drew Barrymore, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and the cast of Days of Our Lives, among other distinguished figures. Commemorating 60 years on air, Days of Our Lives brought special attention this year. Actor James Reynolds, who has portrayed the character Abe Carver for over 40 years, shared with Us his thoughts on this prestigious honor.

“It’s an incredible honor for all of us who have contributed to this show. It’s quite extraordinary,” Reynolds, 79, said regarding the show’s induction. “I feel a true sense of belonging here. Tonight is simply fantastic.”

Recently, the emergence of AI actress Tilly Norwood has sparked a great deal of controversy among both actors and audiences. Reynolds has expressed that the introduction of an AI actress is “very troubling.”

“I find various aspects of this troubling,” Reynolds remarked to Us. “The talent pool today is arguably the best we’ve ever had, and I hope that emerging actors retain the same opportunities we once enjoyed.”

Reynolds also recounted surprising interactions with celebrity fans of Days of Our Lives that left a lasting impression on him.

“I once shared an elevator ride with jazz great Joe Williams, César Romero, and others. They were figures from a different era who approached me,” Reynolds shared with Us. “Even members of The Temptations have been enthusiastic fans, and I understand Julia Roberts is among them. It’s incredible to meet those you’ve admired for years approaching you. I don’t typically initiate such interactions myself, but when it occurs, it brings out the inner child in me. We all have dreams, and experiencing these moments reaffirms that I’ve achieved something significant for myself.”