In February 2024, a Los Angeles-based television channel plans to introduce a groundbreaking concept: news anchors entirely generated by artificial intelligence (AI). Channel 1, rooted in LA, will debut these digital humans– crafted through a blend of digitally constructed avatars and and “digital doubles” fashioned by the channel itself. According to reports from the Daily Mail, these AI-based news anchors will furnish updates on global events, appearing not only on traditional broadcasting but also across free streaming TV platforms.
Adam Mosam, the founder of Channel 1, highlighted that the news will derive from established, trusted sources such as public records, govormental documents, and undisclosed legacy news outlets. These reports will be curated in partnership with freelance journalists, amalgamating AI-generated news updates that the digital news anchors will deliver to the audience.
MOsam articulated Channel 1’s aim to provide a personalized news encounter akin to the algorithmic adaptability seen in apps like TikTok. This personalized approach intends to cater to viewers’ preferences, evolving over time to align with their interests, whether in finance, sports, or other subjects. Additionally, the channel will utilize digital double anchors to convert spoken content in news stories into English translations, making local news accessible to a global audience.
The deployment of AI-generated news anchors has ignited concerns among media professionals and critics regarding its implications for the already struggling news industry. Kristen Ruby, CEO of Ruby Media Group, emphasized the shift AI anchors may bring, implying that the concept of ‘fake news’ could take on an entirely different dimension once AI replaces human anchors.
Alec Lazenby from BC Today expressed apprehension about the potentially detrimental impact on the news industry, foreseeing accelerated losses of high-quality reporters and anchors if AI-powered broadcasts gain prominence. Similarly, Lance Ulanoff, a technology and social media commentator, criticized the idea, contending that AI-driven news anchors contradict the need for fact-based reporting.
Despite assurances from Mosam that Channel 1 won’t misuse AI-generated anchors, skepticism lingers, rooted in prior AI journalism experiments. Doubts persist among the public, fearing a dystopian future where AI proliferation might propagate fake news. Instances abound, such as Gannett’s trial using LedeAI to automate local sports stories, which concluded due to recurring errors. Notably, Sports Illustrated, renowned for its sports journalism, also experimented with AI-generated articles, appending fake writer identities and bios to the AI-written pieces in an attempt to deceive readers.
The advent of AI-driven news anchors signifies a pivotal shift in the media landscape, raising pertinent questions about journalistic integrity, reliability, and the future of storytelling in an era dominated by artificial intelligence.
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