A public radio station in Krakow, Poland, has ignited a national controversy after dismissing its team of journalists and replacing them with AI-generated “presenters.”
OFF Radio Krakow, a taxpayer-funded broadcaster, relaunched this week as part of what it calls “the first experiment in Poland where journalists are replaced by virtual AI characters.” The move has drawn widespread criticism, particularly from former employees and media professionals concerned about the future of journalism and the role of artificial intelligence in media.
Former OFF Radio Krakow journalist Mateusz Demski, a film critic who was let go in August, voiced his concerns in an open letter. He condemned the station’s decision, describing it as a “dangerous precedent” that could pave the way for the replacement of experienced journalists with machines. Demski’s appeal struck a chord across the country, garnering over 15,000 signatures on a petition by Wednesday morning. He emphasized that younger generations, often targeted by such AI-driven innovations, do not want to be treated as subjects of technological experiments.
OFF Radio Krakow’s management defended the decision, with station head Marcin Pulit claiming that the layoffs were not driven by AI but by the station’s poor listenership. Pulit argued that the station’s attempt to reach a broader, younger audience through AI avatars focused on culture, arts, and social issues was a bold step forward. The avatars also tackle topics such as LGBTQ+ rights, aiming to resonate with younger listeners.
The dismissal of journalists, especially from a public broadcaster, has raised concerns among Polish lawmakers. Krzysztof Gawkowski, Poland’s Minister of Digital Affairs, responded to the outcry, suggesting that legislation may be needed to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in media. While he supports the development of AI, Gawkowski expressed concern about ethical boundaries being crossed, emphasizing that AI should serve people, not replace them.
Further fueling the debate, OFF Radio Krakow featured an AI-generated interview this week with a simulated version of Wisława Szymborska, the late Polish poet and Nobel laureate. The interview stirred mixed reactions. Michał Rusinek, president of the Wisława Szymborska Foundation, gave his permission for the use of her name and voice, stating that Szymborska, known for her humour, might have appreciated the gesture.
Despite management’s insistence that the changes were necessary, the controversy continues to grow. Critics argue that replacing seasoned journalists with AI threatens not only the quality of media but also the livelihood of professionals in the creative industry. The debate over whether AI should be allowed to encroach on such human-driven fields rages on, with many calling for stricter regulation to ensure that technology enhances rather than undermines the work of humans.
