Polish Radio Station Replaces Journalists with AI, Sparks Controversy

A Polish radio station has ignited a national debate after dismissing its journalists and replacing them with AI-generated presenters. OFF Radio Krakow, based in the southern city of Krakow, recently relaunched, introducing what it called the “first experiment in Poland” where journalists are represented by virtual characters created by AI.

AI Avatars Take Over Radio Presenting

The station’s three AI-generated avatars have been designed to appeal to younger audiences, with programming focused on culture, art, and social issues, including topics relevant to the LGBTQ+ community.

Station head Marcin Pulit described the move as a bold experiment, stating, “Is artificial intelligence more of an opportunity or a threat to media, radio, and journalism? We will seek answers to this question.” The station’s decision has drawn significant attention across Poland, with many questioning the broader implications of replacing human journalists with AI.

Backlash from Former Journalists

The move sparked controversy after Mateusz Demski, a former journalist and host at OFF Radio Krakow, published an open letter on Tuesday, protesting what he called the “replacement of employees with artificial intelligence.” Demski, argued that this development sets a “dangerous precedent” for the future of journalism and media.

“It is a dangerous precedent that hits us all,” Demski wrote. It could open the way "to a world in which experienced employees associated with the media sector for years and people employed in creative industries will be replaced by machines.”

Demski, who had been with the station since February 2022 and interviewed Ukrainians fleeing the war, was among about a dozen journalists let go in August. He explained that the station’s use of AI was particularly shocking, given that OFF Radio Krakow is a publicly funded broadcaster. His protest has resonated widely, with over 15,000 people signing a petition against the move by Wednesday morning.

Station Defends Decision

Pulit, the station’s head, defended the changes, insisting that the layoffs were not caused by the introduction of AI, but rather by the station’s declining listenership, which he claimed had dropped “close to zero.” He argued that the relaunch with AI avatars is an attempt to engage new, younger listeners.

Pulit’s stance has not quelled the growing criticism, with many seeing the move as a step toward a future where human journalists are replaced by AI, especially in creative and media industries.

Calls for AI Regulation

The controversy has reached Poland’s government, with Krzysztof Gawkowski, the minister of digital affairs and deputy prime minister, weighing in. Gawkowski expressed concern over the unchecked use of AI, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Although I am a fan of AI development, I believe that certain boundaries are being crossed more and more. The widespread use of AI must be done for people, not against them!”

He further called for legislation to regulate AI’s growing influence, particularly in the media industry, to ensure that human workers are not replaced by machines.

AI Interviews Deceased Nobel Laureate

Adding to the controversy, OFF Radio Krakow recently aired an AI-generated interview with the voice of Wisława Szymborska, a Nobel Prize-winning Polish poet who passed away in 2012. The broadcast, conducted by an AI presenter, raised questions about the ethics of using AI to simulate deceased individuals.

However, Michał Rusinek, president of the Wisława Szymborska Foundation, which oversees her legacy, defended the decision, explaining that he gave his permission to use the name in the broadcast, further stating that Szymborska would have appreciated the humor in the experiment. “She had a sense of humor and would have liked it,” Rusinek said in an interview with TVN.

AiNews.com’s Use of AI in Journalism

At AiNews.com, we believe AI is not something to fear but to embrace. We see AI as a powerful tool that enhances our ability to report the news quickly and efficiently, not as a replacement for human creativity. While the use of AI may raise concerns about job loss in journalism, we believe that a balance between human expertise and AI-driven efficiency is possible.

Our AI avatars help us deliver content in innovative ways, but our human journalists remain at the heart of what we do. We use AI to assist with repetitive tasks and enhance the storytelling experience, but every article, every story, is shaped by people who understand the value of accurate and ethical journalism. For us, AI is a way to innovate, not replace, ensuring that journalism remains both cost-effective and engaging while maintaining the highest standards.

Looking Ahead

As AI continues to reshape industries like journalism, the future holds both opportunities and challenges. OFF Radio Krakow’s decision to replace journalists with AI avatars has sparked important debates about the role of technology in creative industries. While concerns about job loss are valid, at AiNews.com, we see AI as a complementary tool rather than a replacement. We believe that human expertise and AI-driven efficiency can work hand-in-hand, fostering innovation without losing the value of human creativity and insight.

The key to success in this evolving landscape will be finding the right balance—leveraging AI to enhance, rather than diminish, the role of journalists. As we move forward, thoughtful integration of AI will be crucial in ensuring that technology benefits both creators and consumers.