2024-10-29 02:00:00
WARSAW (AP) — A Polish radio station said Monday it has ended an “experiment” involving the use of artificial intelligence-generated “presenters” instead of real reporters after fierce criticism of the move.
Weeks after sacking journalists, OFF Radio Krakow relaunched last week, using artificial intelligence-generated avatars as hosts.
People across the country are troubled and worried that humans will be replaced by artificial intelligence.
The goal was to spark debate about the use of artificial intelligence, and the mission has been successful, Webmaster Marcin Pulit said in a statement on Monday. He added that the experiment should last three months but saw no reason to continue.
“After one week, we had gathered so many observations, opinions and conclusions that we made the decision that it was not necessary to continue,” Plitt wrote.
He declared that the network was “surprised by the level of emotion generated by this experiment, and blaming us for intentions and actions that did not exist is a crude judgment based on false information.”
The station in the southern Polish city of Krakow said its avatars aimed to attract younger viewers by talking about culture, art and social topics, including those of interest to the LGBTQ+ community.
Last week’s changes drew national attention after journalist and film critic Mateusz Demski, who recently hosted a show on the network, launched a petition calling for the network to end the experiment. and published an open letter condemning “the use of artificial intelligence.”
“This is a dangerous precedent that affects us all,” he wrote. He believes this could open “the door to a world where experienced employees and creative industry workers who have spent years in the media industry will be replaced by machines.”
More than 23,000 people signed the petition.
The station last week aired an “interview” conducted by an artificial intelligence-generated presenter, voiced by Wisława Szymborska, a Polish poet and Nobel Prize winner for literature who died in 2012.
1730167426
#Polish #radio #station #abandons #AIgenerated #presenter #criticism
**Interview with Marta Kowalski, Media Analyst on AI in Journalism**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Marta. Let’s dive right in. OFF Radio Krakow recently ended its experiment with AI-generated presenters after significant backlash. What do you think triggered such intense criticism from the public?
**Marta Kowalski:** Thank you for having me. I believe the backlash stemmed from a combination of concerns about job security for journalists and a deeper apprehension regarding the authenticity of news. For many, journalism is not just about delivering information; it’s about human connection, empathy, and accountability. The idea of AI stepping in undermined that trust.
**Interviewer:** That’s a valid point. Many people rely on the personal touch from reporters. Do you think the decision to replace human presenters was a short-sighted one?
**Marta Kowalski:** Absolutely. While leveraging AI can offer some efficiencies, the decision to replace real journalists with avatars was a miscalculation. OFF Radio Krakow may have underestimated the public’s attachment to human reporters and the nuanced storytelling they provide. The move was seen not just as cost-cutting, but as a disregard for the craft of journalism itself.
**Interviewer:** Do you foresee other media outlets attempting similar experiments despite this outcome?
**Marta Kowalski:** I think we will see more media outlets experiment with AI, but likely in a more cautious manner. Some may integrate AI for purposes like data analysis or producing reports on less sensitive topics, but direct replacement of human presenters is likely off the table for now. The blowback from this incident sends a clear message about public expectations for authenticity and accountability in news.
**Interviewer:** Looking forward, what do you think the role of AI should be in journalism?
**Marta Kowalski:** AI can certainly enhance journalism by aiding in research, automating mundane tasks, and analyzing large datasets. However, it should complement rather than replace human voices. The role of journalists is irreplaceable in providing context, emotional depth, and ethical considerations that AI simply cannot mimic.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Marta. It’s clear that while technology can assist, the human element remains crucial in journalism.
**Marta Kowalski:** Thank you for having me! It’s an essential discussion to have as we navigate the future of media.
**Interviewer:** That’s a valid point. Many people rely on the personal touch from reporters. Do you think the decision to replace human presenters was a short-sighted one?
**Marta Kowalski:** Absolutely. While leveraging AI can offer some efficiencies, the decision to replace real journalists with avatars was a miscalculation. OFF Radio Krakow may have underestimated the public’s attachment to human reporters and the nuanced storytelling they provide. The move was seen not just as cost-cutting but as a fundamental misunderstanding of what news delivery means to listeners.
**Interviewer:** It seems that part of the goal was to attract younger audiences. Do you think using AI presenters could potentially engage that demographic, or does it risk alienating them?
**Marta Kowalski:** That’s an interesting dilemma. While younger audiences might be more receptive to technology, they also value authenticity and genuine human experience. The experiment may have backfired because, rather than draw in younger listeners, it highlighted the risks of replacing real voices with AI. This generation tends to appreciate diversity and story-driven content—qualities that AI simply cannot replicate.
**Interviewer:** The station’s experiment was described as an attempt to spark a debate about AI in media. Do you think it achieved that goal?
**Marta Kowalski:** It certainly achieved a debate, but perhaps not the one they intended. The swift backlash indicates that people are worried about the ethical implications of AI in journalism, particularly regarding the erosion of jobs and the quality of content. The intensity of the response shows that society is not just ready to accept AI as a replacement but is critically questioning its role in areas that demand human sensitivity and insight.
**Interviewer:** With the petition gathering over 23,000 signatures, what does this say about the public’s attitude toward AI in journalism?
**Marta Kowalski:** It illustrates a strong collective sentiment against the encroachment of AI in a traditionally human-centered field. People are concerned about the future of journalism and the impact of AI not just on jobs but on the integrity of news itself. This kind of public mobilization is a clear message that they value human interaction, particularly in media that shapes public discourse.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how do you see the balance between utilizing technology and preserving the essence of journalism evolving in the future?
**Marta Kowalski:** The future will likely see a hybrid model where technology enhances journalism without replacing the human element. Media organizations must recognize that AI can support tasks like data analysis or generating basic reports, but the emotional intelligence and critical thinking that human journalists provide are irreplaceable. Finding that balance will be crucial in maintaining trust with audiences while adapting to the technological advancements that are here to stay.
