WARSAW, Poland – October 23, 2024 – In an unprecedented move within the Polish media landscape, OFF Radio Krakow has replaced its traditional broadcasting team with AI-generated “presenters,” sparking a significant debate over the future of journalism and the role of artificial intelligence in media.

The station announced the change earlier this week, describing it as an innovative experiment aimed at exploring how AI can engage with audiences on cultural and social issues through a modern, digital-first approach. These AI presenters are programmed to host shows, conduct interviews, and even simulate debates, providing content around the clock.

However, this pioneering step was met with immediate backlash. Mateusz Demski, previously associated with the station, published an open letter criticizing the decision. Demski’s letter, which has garnered considerable support, warns of the implications of replacing human intuition, emotion, and ethics with algorithms. Over 15,000 individuals have signed the letter, signaling widespread concern over the erosion of traditional journalism.

The controversy escalated when OFF Radio featured an AI-generated voice pretending to be the late Nobel laureate Wisława Szymborska in an interview, raising ethical questions about the use of historical figures’ voices through technology. Although the Szymborska Foundation gave its approval, the incident has led to discussions about consent and the moral boundaries of AI utilization.

Krzysztof Gawkowski, Poland’s Minister of Digital Affairs, has hinted at the potential need for new regulations to govern the use of AI in media and other sectors. His comments reflect a broader governmental concern about the balance between technological advancement and job security, as well as the authenticity of content.

The station’s advisory board has expressed strong reservations about this shift, indicating a rift within the organization itself over the AI initiative. Public opinion remains divided; while some see it as an exciting evolution of media, others mourn the loss of human connection in broadcasting.

As OFF Radio Krakow continues with its AI experiment, it serves as a litmus test for the media industry worldwide, examining how listeners respond to AI-driven content and what this could mean for the future of media jobs. This case is being closely watched by both tech enthusiasts and those wary of AI’s expanding role in society.