A Polish radio station that launched a channel run by artificial intelligence (AI) decided to shut it down after every week because of backlash.
Polish media outlet NFP recently reported that Radio Krakow, the general public broadcaster in Poland’s second-largest city, ended the AI broadcasting station project, which was originally scheduled to last three months, in a single week.
“I used to be surprised by the extent of emotion involved on this experiment, the accusations of non-existent intentions and actions, and the cruel judgments based on false reports,” said Radio Krakow editor-in-chief Marcin Pulit.
Radio Krakow launched a channel called OFF on the twenty second and promoted it as “Poland’s first radio station created almost entirely by AI.”
This broadcasting station’s program was hosted by three AI characters whose personalities, interests, and even appearances were created by AI. The character Akub Zielinski was introduced as a 22-year-old student studying sound engineering. Moreover, the feminine character named Emilia Novak was portrayed as a 20-year-old journalism student and popular culture enthusiast.
AI humans ran a music program that created a playlist using AI tools. In fact, humans had some involvement.
The broadcasting station explained that the intention was to appeal to young listeners as ‘an exemplary representative of Generation Z’. Additionally they said they hope this initiative will spark debate concerning the use of AI, including whether AI is a chance or a threat to media.
Nonetheless, when it was announced that a virtual AI-generated interview with Polish Nobel laureate and poet Wislaw Szymborska, who died in 2012, could be aired, followed by an interview with Polish historical hero Józef Piłsudski, public opinion poured in.
Specifically, some employees at this broadcasting station criticized AI, saying they lost their jobs.
The virtual interview was conducted with the approval of the relevant foundation.
Ultimately, the broadcaster said, “In only one week, we had collected so many observations, opinions, and conclusions that we felt there was no reason to proceed. Nonetheless, the goal of this experiment was achieved.”
Reporter Lim Da-jun ydj@aitimes.com
