A Polish radio station, OFF Radio Krakow, has made headlines by replacing its human journalists with AI-generated “presenters,” creating a nationwide debate about the future of journalism and media. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of the story:

AI-Generated Presenters Replace Journalists

OFF Radio Krakow, based in the city of Krakow, recently relaunched with AI avatars taking over the roles of its human journalists. These virtual presenters discuss a range of cultural, artistic, and social topics, including issues relevant to LGBTQ+ communities. The station describes this shift as an experiment, marking the first time AI-generated hosts have been used in Polish media.

Station’s Leadership Defends the Move

Marcin Pulit, the head of the station, defended the change, stating that the experiment seeks to answer whether artificial intelligence represents an opportunity or a threat to media and journalism. Pulit clarified that journalists were not dismissed because of AI, but due to the station’s low listenership numbers.

Public Outcry and Journalist’s Open Letter

The decision to replace human journalists with AI has sparked significant controversy. Mateusz Demski, a former presenter and film critic, published an open letter condemning the move. He argued that replacing experienced media professionals with AI sets a “dangerous precedent” for the creative industries. Demski’s protest resonated widely, with over 15,000 people signing a petition against the changes. Many young people expressed concerns about the implications of this AI experiment.

Call for AI Regulation

Poland’s Minister of Digital Affairs, Krzysztof Gawkowski, weighed in on the issue, calling for legislation to regulate the use of AI in industries such as media. While he supports AI development, Gawkowski emphasized that its use should benefit people, not replace them.

AI Simulates Interview with Deceased Nobel Laureate

In one of its broadcasts, OFF Radio Krakow aired an “interview” featuring an AI-generated voice of Wisława Szymborska, the Polish poet and Nobel Prize winner who passed away in 2012. The Wisława Szymborska Foundation, which oversees the poet’s legacy, permitted the station to use her likeness, noting that she would have appreciated the humor of the situation.

Conclusion

The introduction of AI presenters at OFF Radio Krakow has sparked a national debate about the role of artificial intelligence in the media industry. As the station continues its experiment, the controversy surrounding the replacement of human journalists with AI is likely to intensify, raising questions about the future of jobs in creative industries.