A Polish radio station has sparked nationwide controversy after dismissing its journalists and relaunching with AI-generated “presenters.”
OFF Radio Krakow, based in the southern city of Krakow, recently introduced what it described as Poland’s first experiment featuring virtual characters created by artificial intelligence in the role of journalists.
This move follows weeks after the station let go of its human journalists.
The station’s new AI-driven avatars are designed to appeal to younger audiences, discussing a range of topics such as culture, the arts, and social issues, with a particular focus on concerns important to the LGBTQ+ community.
Marcin Pulit, the head of the station, framed the change as a forward-thinking initiative, posing the question: “Is artificial intelligence more of an opportunity or a threat to media, radio, and journalism? We will seek answers to this question.”
However, this decision has drawn criticism, particularly from former employees. Mateusz Demski, a journalist and film critic who previously hosted a program at OFF Radio Krakow, published an open letter on Tuesday condemning the station’s shift toward AI.
He expressed deep concern about the implications of the move, writing, “It is a dangerous precedent that hits us all.”
He also warned that such changes could lead to a future “in which experienced employees associated with the media sector for years and people employed in creative industries will be replaced by machines.”
The station’s decision to embrace AI-generated presenters raises broader questions about the future of traditional media and journalism, particularly in the face of rapidly evolving technology.
While some may view AI as an opportunity for innovation, others, like Demski, see it as a potential threat to the livelihoods of professionals in creative fields.
This debate comes at a time when industries worldwide are grappling with the balance between human creativity and technological advancements.
