Recently, OFF Radio Krakow, a broadcasting station in Poland, sparked widespread controversy by attempting to replace real journalists with AI-generated "virtual presenters," ultimately leading to a hasty end to the experiment. This move has incited considerable anger among many in Poland, with concerns that artificial intelligence could replace human jobs.
Image Source: The image was generated by AI, provided by the image licensing service Midjourney.
It is understood that OFF Radio Krakow laid off its journalists a few weeks ago and relaunched the station with AI-created virtual characters as presenters. Marcin Pulit, the station's editor, stated that the intention behind this experiment was to spark a discussion about artificial intelligence, but the strong reaction was unexpected. He noted that the experiment was originally planned to last three months, but after just one week, they received a flood of feedback and comments, leading them to conclude that continuing was pointless.
Pulit also expressed that the station was surprised by the public's emotional response, attributing it to misunderstandings and assumptions about the station. Located in the southern city of Krakow, the station initially designed these virtual presenters to attract a younger audience and discuss cultural, artistic, and social issues, including concerns of the LGBTQ+ community.
This change quickly garnered national attention. Journalist and film critic Mateusz Demski launched a petition demanding the station cease the experiment and published an open letter protesting the "replacement of employees with artificial intelligence." He argued that this precedent could put experienced media professionals and creative industry workers at risk of being replaced by machines. The petition received over 23,000 signatures in support.
Before announcing the termination of the experiment, the station even aired an "interview" between an AI-generated host and the late Polish Nobel Laureate in Literature, Wisława Szymborska. They also planned to conduct an "interview" with the late Polish politician Józef Piłsudski before ending the experiment.
Key Points:
🌐 OFF Radio Krakow attempted to replace real journalists with AI-generated virtual presenters, sparking strong protests.
✍️ The experiment was originally planned to last three months but was terminated after only one week due to strong public reaction.
📢 Journalist Mateusz Demski initiated a petition against replacing employees with artificial intelligence, garnering over 23,000 signatures in support.
