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Let's Give a Big Hand (or Three) for Nine's Delta AI Effort

Mumbrella

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Date Published
24 Dec 2025
Priority Score
1
Australian
Yes
Created
24 Dec 2025, 03:01 am

Authors (1)

Description

Dr Mumbo is of the opinion that when it comes to video generation, there’s good AI and there’s cheap AI.Fair to say that Nine did not opt for the good AI in its Christmas with Delta variety special featuring singer Delta Goodrem.In a painfully obvious plug for the Back to the Future musical, Delta jumps […]

Summary

In a critique of Nine's use of AI in the 'Christmas with Delta' special, the article highlights the challenges faced in video generation and animation quality. The AI technology applied failed to accurately replicate realistic features, such as by mistakenly giving singer Delta Goodrem an extra hand and altering the Nine logo. This discussion showcases some limitations of current AI capabilities, particularly in creative contexts, but does not provide significant insights into broader AI safety or existential risks. The focus on aesthetics rather than on safety or governance implications means it contributes modestly to AI safety discourse.

Body

Dr Mumbo is of the opinion that when it comes to video generation, there’s good AI and there’s cheap AI.Fair to say that Nine did not opt for the good AI in its Christmas with Delta variety special featuring singer Delta Goodrem.In a painfully obvious plug for the Back to the Future musical, Delta jumps into the time-travelling DeLorean with Santa for a quick jaunt to the North Pole, via Sydney Harbour, at which point the show briefly switches to animation.Three balls on the Nine logo…ADVERTISEMENT As Dan Barrett pointed out in today’s Always Be Watching newsletter, the AI couldn’t even get the Nine logo correct, losing six of its nine balls. It also struggled to make cartoon Delta look like Delta.However, what the AI lost in balls, it made up for in limbs. At one point, Delta grows a third hand.… and three arms on DeltaAs one observer told Dr Mumbo: “It’s a good thing they never installed a phone line in Kerry Packer’s grave.” Topics #NineUpFront ai Delta Goodrem Have your say Login with:Continue with LinkedIn Or comment anonymously Your comment will be marked as unverified Name Comment Δ Latest AI everywhere, but creativity intact: Agencies reflect on a 'bonkers and brilliant' 2025 Mumbrellacast: Live from Compass Hobart Sabra Lane leaves AM after nine years Jo Dick steps into NSW Government role after leaving CRA ARN Media's share slump hits 47% for the year