In a world where technology continuously reshapes the way we consume news, the next frontier seems to have arrived – synthetic newscasters powered by artificial intelligence. Leveraging the advancements in AI, newsrooms are now offering a fresh and dynamic way to present the news, breaking barriers of language and engaging diverse audiences like never before. This phenomenon, although remarkable, comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of AI newscasters and understand what it means for the future of broadcasting.
The Emergence of AI Newscasters Worldwide
In recent months, we have witnessed a surge in the adoption of AI-powered newscasters, primarily in the Asian market. This wave seems to have been initiated by India, with several broadcasters introducing synthetic anchors. Notable mentions are Eastern India’s Odisha TV, which introduced Lisa, and Southern India’s Power TV which brought Soundarya to the screen.
But the trend is not confined to India. Across the continent, broadcasters are rapidly adopting this technology. In Taiwan, FTV News recently unveiled an AI presenter, encouraging viewer interaction through a naming contest. Similarly, Malaysia’s Astro AWANI introduced a pair of AI-generated hosts, Joon and Monica, to present news and host nightly shows, engaging viewers in a whole new dimension.
Further west, the Middle East joined the race with Kuwait News unveiling Fedha, marking the region’s entry into this evolving domain. A noteworthy beginning, tracing back to March, was by India Today, which started the trend by employing Sana, proficient in English, Hindi, and Bengali.
Technological Underpinnings
The history of synthetic news presenters can be traced back to 2018, with China’s state news agency Xinhua and search engine Sogou pioneering in this field by introducing 2D newsbots. The technology has since evolved, incorporating multimodal recognition and synthesis, facial recognition, and animation, transitioning to more realistic 3D avatars that offer a more lifelike viewing experience.
The Double-Edged Sword
While this innovation is indeed groundbreaking, offering cost-effective solutions and the ability to reach wider, more diverse audiences, it is not devoid of potential pitfalls. The technology has been exploited for propagating fake news, creating an aura of authenticity where there is none. The Synthesia incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential misuse, where fake news clips were generated, showcasing the technology’s darker side.
Why this Revolution Matters
The significance of this revolution cannot be understated. These AI newscasters have the potential to redefine broadcasting by generating a plethora of talking heads that can cater to various audience segments, representing different ethnicities, genders, ages, and styles. Especially in multilingual societies prevalent in Asia, this innovation can be a game-changer, breaking language barriers and fostering a more inclusive news broadcasting environment.
Moreover, the positive reception of AI in countries like India, Indonesia, and Malaysia, as indicated by surveys, suggests that the public is ready to embrace this new era of news broadcasting, opening doors to unprecedented possibilities.
Conclusion
The advent of synthetic newscasters is a significant milestone in the broadcasting landscape. It offers opportunities for more inclusive, engaging, and diverse news presentation while also posing challenges in terms of misinformation and propaganda. As we navigate this new terrain, it will be essential to foster responsible use and development of this technology, paving the way for a future where news reaches every nook and corner in a format that resonates with every individual.
References
- Nikkei Asia Report
- Survey on AI Perception in Different Countries
The world of news broadcasting is evolving at a rapid pace, and it’s crucial to keep a watchful eye on the developments, as we stand at the cusp of a potential revolution in the industry.
Turhan Can Kargın 