Polish radio station replaces humans with AI

Polish radio station OFF Radio Krakow replaced its human presenters with three AI-generated avatars , resulting in a backlash by listeners and former employees, as well as criticism from the country's government. What happened Weeks after laying off its journalists, OFF Radio Krakow a nnounced that it was moving to an AI-powered model. "Is artificial intelligence more of an opportunity or a threat to media, radio, and journalism? We will seek answers to this question," the station head, Marcin Pulit, wrote in a relaunch statement. Designed to appeal to younger audiences, t he AI presenters - Eli Nowa, a journalism student; Kuba, a technology and music specialist; and Alex, who focuses on social engagement - are tasked with programming music, conducting interviews, and discussing cultural and social issues, including LGBTQ+ topics. The decision led to a heated backlash from former staff and listeners, and to over 15,000 people signing a petition against the move. It also resulted in Krzysztof Gawkowski, Poland's minister of digital affairs and a deputy prime minister, saying that legislation is needed to regulate AI. "Although I am a fan of AI development, I believe that certain boundaries are being crossed more and more," he wrote on X. "The widespread use of AI must be done for people, not against them!" Why it happened The primary motivation behind this shift was a comprehensive analysis indicating that OFF Radio Krakow's audience engagement was minimal. According to Marcin Pulit, the station's editor-in-chief, the overlap in content with other channels and the low listenership necessitated a radical change. Although Pulit said that no journalists were fired due to its move to AI, many employees had been let go as part of a restructuring plan that coincided with the introduction of AI at the station. What it means The move raises pertinent questions about the role of AI in journalism and broadcasting. Critics argue that replacing human presenters with AI could set a dangerous precedent for the industry, potentially leading to widespread job losses in creative sectors. Former staff member Mateusz Demski highlighted concerns over the implications for media integrity and quality, emphasising that media should be created by people rather than machines. System 🤖 Unknown Developer: Country: Poland Sector: Media/entertainment/sports/arts Purpose: Present radio segments Technology: Machine learning Issue: Authenticity/integrity; Empl oyment/labour

Date it happened

2024-01-01

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