OFF Radio Krakow in Poland has sparked outrage after firing several presenters and replacing them with artificial intelligence (AI) programmed to interview high-profile dead people using AI-generated responses.
On Oct. 22, OFF Radio Krakow launched its radical initiative featuring a simulated interview with the late poet Wieslawa Szymborska, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1996. The AI-hosted segment employed a computer-generated voice designed to mimic Szymborska's tone as she "discussed" this year's Nobel Prize in Literature following approval from the poet's foundation.
The foundation believes the innovative presentation could help introduce the works of Szymborska to new audiences, but the response from the public and media has been largely critical. Fans and cultural advocates argue that the use of AI to impersonate deceased individuals crosses an ethical line and threatens the integrity of journalism. (Related: Los Angeles-based TV channel set to launch AI news anchors in 2024.)
Prominent journalists have expressed their indignation on social media.
"And so ends my beloved profession. Who's next for the interview? [Jozef] Pilsudski? But why limit yourself to recent history? Let Mieszko I [Duke of Poland from 960] talk about the baptism of Poland on Radio Krakow," journalist Rober Felus stated in frustration. This remark reflected widespread concern over the blurring lines between factual reporting and AI-generated fiction.
Another journalist, Patryk Slowik, sarcastically requested an interview with the 17th-century Polish King Jan III Sobieski on the merits of paying Poland's RTV license fee. "Can I ask for an interview with [17th-century King of Poland] Jan III Sobieski about why it is worth paying an RTV license fee?" Slowik asked.
Beyond the media sector, influential figures in Poland's literary community have also criticized the experiment. "What Szymborska's bot says simply ridicules our Nobel Prize winner herself. We got a bland, although 'but I can be liked' journalist without personality, responsibility, spark and intelligence," said playwright and author Remigiusz Grzela. He even called it "a complete disgrace and civic failure."
OFF Radio Krakow official defends station's transition to AI
Editor-in-Chief Marcin Pulit, the official overseeing OFF Radio Krakow's transition to AI, defended the decision and labeled it a "research and media experiment." Pulit explained that the project was intended to explore AI's potential impacts on culture and journalism.
"This is a research and media experiment meant to explore the future impact of artificial intelligence on media, journalism and culture," he said.
However, it seems that Pulit is the only one defending the radical initiative.
Former host Mateusz Demski warned that AI's integration into such personal spaces in media is "a dangerous step that could lead to significant harm." Demski called for responsible AI practices in journalism to protect the human aspects of cultural memory and legacy.
Even OFF Radio Krakow's advisory board issued a statement opposing the AI initiative. The board described it as a departure from the values that have defined the station's cultural contribution. "We are appalled by the station's new direction," read the statement, noting that the board would oppose efforts that diminish the achievements of Krakow's cultural heritage.
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