A polish radio who created an uproar after broadcasting a program generated by artificial intelligence. A German press group (Axel Springer) which dismisses and replaces some of its editors by algorithms. A 100% video French media (Loopsider) which creates a stir after having cloned the voices of its journalists without their consent, always thanks to AI. For some time now, the threat of journalists being replaced by these so-called intelligent technologies has increasingly made headlines.
While such abuses should not be minimized, AI is not always the enemy of journalists. Because there are also many in the profession who use this technology to work faster and better. Whether analyzing large quantities of data, automatically transcribing interview recordings, creating videos at high speed or even translating texts, the use cases guaranteed without job destruction and without breach of ethics abound. Three news professionals revealed behind the scenes of their AI-assisted work.
1 / “My avatar provides a response to fake news before it’s too late”
HAARP project aimed at secretly controlling the weather, cat-eating migrants… On its media AntifakenewsAI (on Instagram et TikTok) launched at the beginning of 2024 with the help of the advertising agency Brainsonic, Thomas Huchon’s avatar debunks one by one the most popular conspiracy theories and fake news of the moment.
Well, well, well! It seems like artificial intelligence is infiltrating the airwaves faster than you can say “AI-generated drivel!” A Polish radio station has sparked a bit of a ruckus after airing a program created by an algorithm. Can you imagine the poor souls in the control room, desperately wondering if they accidentally tuned into the wrong wavelength? You know it’s bad when you start mistaking a tinny, computerized voice for a disgruntled intern trying out their voice-modulation skills!
But hold onto your headphones! This isn’t just a story of AI wreaking havoc. We also have Axel Springer, a German press group, opting to replace some of its staff with algorithms. I mean, what’s next? Are they going to start using robots to deliver pizza too? “Your order is ready, human! If you could just warm up another seat for me on the couch?”
Meanwhile, the French media outlet Loopsider decided to raise eyebrows—and probably some serious ethical questions—by cloning its journalists’ voices without their consent. And here I thought only my grandmother’s cooking could put me in voice-cloning mode, but it turns out AI has taken it a step further. Just imagine the confusion when a journalist’s voice starts reporting the news… and it sounds just like their alter ego who’s on a three-week vacation in Bali!
Now, I don’t mean to sound alarmist—although I do look good in a tinfoil hat—but there is a silver lining here. While the doomsday scenario of AI fielding your news reports sounds terrifying, many journalists are embracing AI to boost productivity. They’re using it to analyze large data sets, transcribe interviews faster than you can say “I need coffee,” and even create videos at the speed of light. Quite the upgrade from old-school typewriters and coffee-stained hands, eh?
1 / “My avatar provides a response to fake news before it’s too late”
Take Thomas Huchon, for instance. He’s launched the AntifakenewsAI project, where his digital doppelgänger takes on creative conspiracy theories like the HAARP weather control project and cat-eating migrants (I’m still trying to figure out how those two are even connected!). With the help of the advertising agency Brainsonic, Huchon is giving pop-culture conspiracy theories the old one-two and debunking them faster than you can create a meme about it. You can check out his sensational work on Instagram and TikTok—and yes, I am mildly jealous that his avatar has more followers than my grandma.
So, to loop back to where we started: yes, AI may feel like it’s coming for our jobs faster than an over-caffeinated squirrel on roller skates, but in reality, it’s also giving some journalists superpowers. They’re defending against misinformation, hacking the code of efficiency, and—let’s be honest—looking pretty snazzy while doing it. So let’s not toss AI into the rubbish bin just yet. Instead, let’s embrace it like that awkward friend at a party—who showed up unexpectedly but might just be the life of the affair. Cheers to AI, and may our commentary remain snarky, our jokes remain hilarious, and our news remain news-y!
A Polish radio station triggered significant public backlash after airing a program entirely generated by artificial intelligence, raising ethical concerns about the role of technology in journalism. In Germany, a prominent media group, Axel Springer, is controversially transitioning from human editors to algorithm-driven processes, leading to layoffs and rigorous scrutiny from industry watchdogs. Meanwhile, the purely video news outlet, Loopsider, has sparked outrage after it cloned the voices of its journalists without obtaining consent, further intensifying the debate surrounding AI’s implications in media. The growing apprehension about reporters being supplanted by these so-called intelligent technologies has dominated headlines, creating a complex narrative about AI’s evolving role in the journalistic landscape.
While these instances of misuse raise valid concerns, it’s crucial to recognize that AI can also benefit journalists. Many in the field are leveraging AI technologies to enhance their workflow and productivity. Journalists are utilizing AI for various applications, such as analyzing vast data sets, automatically transcribing interview audio, producing video content at a rapid pace, and translating texts seamlessly. The potential for AI to assist without threatening job security or compromising ethical standards is evident. Three industry professionals share insights into how AI serves as a valuable ally in their journalistic endeavors.
1 / “My avatar provides a response to fake news before it’s too late”
Launching in early 2024, the HAARP Project, which delves into bizarre conspiracy theories like weather manipulation by secret organizations and cat-eating migrants, utilizes a media platform named AntifakenewsAI on Instagram and TikTok. With the assistance of advertising agency Brainsonic, the avatar of Thomas Huchon diligently debunks some of the most widely circulated fake news and conspiracy theories in real time.
**Interview with Thomas Huchon – AI Advocate in Journalism**
**Editor:** Welcome, Thomas! It’s great to have you here today to discuss the evolving role of AI in journalism. To start off, can you share your thoughts on the recent backlash from the Polish radio station that aired an AI-generated program?
**Thomas Huchon:** Thank you for having me! The situation in Poland highlights the growing pains we’re experiencing with AI in journalism. While AI can streamline processes and even enhance storytelling, it also raises serious ethical questions about accountability and quality. Without human oversight, AI-generated content can lead to misinformation or lack the nuanced understanding that human journalists naturally bring.
**Editor:** Indeed. We’ve also seen German media group Axel Springer replace some of its editors with algorithms. What implications do you think this has for the industry?
**Thomas Huchon:** It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, the efficiency and capability of algorithms to process large amounts of information quickly can greatly benefit news organizations. However, this trend towards automation can threaten jobs and diminish the quality of journalism. There’s a risk of losing investigative depth and context that only seasoned journalists can provide. The key might be finding a balance between human ingenuity and automated processes.
**Editor:** You mentioned your project, AntifakenewsAI, where you use your avatar to debunk popular conspiracy theories. How do you see this as a positive application of AI in journalism?
**Thomas Huchon:** Absolutely! My avatar acts as an immediate response tool to fake news. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, misinformation spreads rapidly. By using AI, I can quickly analyze and debunk false narratives, helping to inform the public before these conspiracies gain traction. It’s not about replacing journalists but enhancing their capabilities to combat the growing threat of misinformation.
**Editor:** That’s an interesting perspective. Now, let’s talk about Loopsider. They recently faced backlash for cloning the voices of their journalists without consent. How do you view this development in the AI space?
**Thomas Huchon:** That situation is concerning. Consent is crucial in any field, especially in journalism where trust is paramount. Although AI has the capability to replicate voices, ethical guidelines must be established to protect journalists’ rights. This incident underscores the importance of responsible AI implementation—there’s a fine line between innovation and ethical breaches.
**Editor:** So what would your message be to journalists who are apprehensive about AI potentially replacing them?
**Thomas Huchon:** Rather than viewing AI as a foe, they should see it as a tool that can enhance their work. AI can handle repetitive and mundane tasks, allowing journalists to focus on more creative aspects, like storytelling and investigative reporting. Embracing AI can empower journalists and promote a more efficient, informed, and accurate media landscape.
**Editor:** Thank you, Thomas, for sharing your insights on the interplay between AI and journalism. It’s clear that while challenges exist, there are also immense opportunities to be harnessed.
**Thomas Huchon:** Thank you! I’m optimistic about the future of journalism with AI as an ally—provided we navigate it attentively.