A Polish radio station has stirred controversy after relaunching with presenters generated by artificial intelligence. Critics argue the move threatens to replace creative human workers with machines, but the station's manager defended the decision, saying the jobs would have been lost anyway - so why not give AI a go.
OFF Radio Krakow introduced what it calls "the first experiment in Poland" where journalists are represented by AI-created virtual characters.
The programmes are hosted by three avatars - Jakub, Emilia and Alex - each with their own personality and interests. They're aimed at engaging younger Gen Z listeners with topics like culture, art and LGBTQ+ issues. Even the music playlists are generated by AI.
"Is artificial intelligence more of an opportunity or a threat to media, radio and journalism? We will seek answers to this question," station head Marcin Pulit said in a statement.
However there's been backlash on social media after Mateusz Demski, a journalist and former host on the station, published an open letter on Tuesday protesting "the replacement of employees with artificial intelligence".
"It is a dangerous precedent that hits us all," Demski wrote, warning that it could lead to a future where experienced media professionals and creatives are replaced by machines.
The layoffs, he said, were not due to AI but because collaboration contracts with external contributors ended in August.
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