Mario Pergolini: "Sono il fondatore della frase la televisione è morta; io credo davvero che sì, che lo è".

Mario Pergolini, a key figure in Argentine media for three decades, has publicly claimed he coined the phrase "la televisión está muerta," asserting that traditional television is indeed dead. In an exclusive interview with journalist José Del Rio, Pergolini emphasized his belief that conventional television has become a limited tool, reaching only a narrow demographic. He described how audiences no longer come to broadcasters but instead consume content through platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, necessitating a shift toward hybrid formats integrating digital immediacy with television production. Pergolini's career began in radio at age 17, where he found refuge and purpose before becoming a driving force behind technological platforms. His journey has been marked by anticipating industry changes, including developing the world’s first streamed program. Now, he is focused on new challenges, particularly the creation of ATO, a device designed to combat loneliness among the elderly using natural language processing and AI models. The project was inspired by Pergolini’s personal experience after his mother became blind later in life. She lived alone and was highly autonomous, engaging in activities like painting and reading. Her transition to blindness proved frustrating, as she struggled to adapt to her new reality. Pergolini recounted how his mother expressed anger over her inability to regain sight, prompting him to ask what upset her most. This led to the idea of creating technology that could offer companionship beyond mere technical interaction. Pergolini also addressed the growing influence of artificial intelligence, warning that education systems must urgently adapt since students already use tools like ChatGPT to complete assignments. He argued that this trend makes traditional teaching methods obsolete and suggested that declining birth rates present an opportunity to enhance educational quality through personalized attention. Argentina, he noted, has the potential to revise its current approaches to education. In addition to his views on AI, Pergolini predicted the integration of robotics into daily life, envisioning humanoid robots walking streets, cleaning homes, and caring for the elderly. These developments, he believes, will redefine everyday living in the coming years. Throughout his career, Pergolini has remained active in the media ecosystem while emphasizing the importance of maintaining privacy. After years of public exposure, he chose to protect his family life, stating that the media business, despite its criticisms, is part of the game. He acknowledged the challenges inherent in journalism but maintained that it is a necessary aspect of the profession. His insights reflect a broader transformation within the media landscape, where traditional models are being challenged by digital innovation. As content consumption habits evolve, Pergolini’s vision underscores the need for adaptation, whether in broadcasting, education, or emerging technologies aimed at addressing societal issues like aging populations and social isolation. Pergolini’s work continues to shape discussions around media evolution and technological advancement, offering perspectives that bridge past experiences with future possibilities. His projects, from redefining television to developing AI-driven solutions for elder care, highlight ongoing efforts to address contemporary challenges through innovative means. The trajectory of these initiatives will likely influence both the media sector and broader applications of artificial intelligence in the years ahead.