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November 21, 2024
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the media landscape is a much-discussed topic. While some welcome the increased efficiency and new possibilities, others view the development with concern. A recent example from Hawaii illustrates the complexity of this issue: There, the AI-generated news anchors James and Rose were discontinued after only two months.
The two virtual anchors were an experiment by the local newspaper The Garden Island on Kauai. Developed by the Israeli company Caledo, they were intended to present the news in a novel video format and thus expand readership. The program, which aired twice weekly on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, was the first of its kind in the United States. Caledo planned to expand the concept to hundreds of other local newspapers – a goal that, according to a spokesperson, is still being pursued.
Despite the initial euphoria, James and Rose quickly encountered criticism. Viewers found the presentation of the news strange. The AI anchors could not handle complex Hawaiian names or even simpler words, leading to unintentionally comical situations. The lack of emotional depth and the monotonous delivery of the avatars also contributed to the negative response. Comments on social media were predominantly negative.
In addition to the technical difficulties and public criticism, financial aspects apparently also played a role. Although Caledo assured that the costs of the program would be covered by embedded advertising, the newspaper apparently could not attract advertisers. A supposed sponsor even denied involvement in the project.
The case of James and Rose raises questions about the future of AI in journalism. While AI systems can be quite helpful in routine tasks such as translation or creating summaries, they reach their limits with more complex tasks that require empathy, critical thinking, and cultural understanding. The human component in journalism thus remains essential.
The experience of The Garden Island also shows that the acceptance of AI in journalism is closely linked to the quality of implementation and transparency with the audience. An unreflective application of the technology can lead to a loss of trust and ultimately to the failure of the project.
The discussion about the use of AI in journalism will continue. It is important to utilize the potential of the technology without neglecting journalistic quality and the human component.
Bibliography:https://www.wired.com/story/an-ai-bot-named-james-has-my-old-local-news-job/
https://www.theregister.com/2024/08/15/robot_took_my_job/
https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/ai-took-my-job-writer-reveals-he-was-fired-after-media-coming-started-using-ai-tool-to-translate-articles-2433355-2023-09-09
https://boingboing.net/2024/08/14/wyoming-reporter-is-fired-from-paper-after-getting-caught-using-ai.html
https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2023/09/ai-took-my-job-literally-gizmodo-fires-spanish-staff-amid-switch-to-ai-translator/
https://apnews.com/article/artificial-intelligence-reporter-resigns-journalism-ed076e2f276d9811f3b9ba051a03b7ae
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240612-the-people-making-ai-sound-more-human
https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtificialInteligence/comments/1ex9jy9/has_anyone_actually_lost_their_job_to_ai/
