It is not an exaggeration to say that artificial intelligence is a technology that can revolutionise many processes and change people’s lifestyles and approach to work. This is proven by the pervasiveness with which AI systems and, in particular, GenAI tools have spread across a large number of companies (not only among big companies) but also by the cutting-edge projects carried out by many insiders and enthusiasts on the subject, some of which have gone viral thanks to social media. The clearest demonstration of how big the reach of this technology can be comes from Channel 1, a Los Angeles-based company planning to launch an all-news channel with news broadcasts led by journalists created with AI.

Transparency: all content will be reported as real or AI-generated

This might sound like a joke or an idea destined to fail before it even starts for those not well-versed in AI. Because the constant evolution of artificial intelligence-based systems already makes it possible to produce a newscast without the use of real journalism professionals. That Channel 1 is a complex but serious attempt is revealed by the intentions of Adam Mosam, the project’s founder and investor, who emphasised during the presentation that one of the priorities is transparency towards viewers.

Before each film clip and studio intervention, whether real or AI-generated, presenters and images will always be declared. In addition, professional journalists will be reserved for conducting particular phases of the news, such as live updates or connections with programme guests. There is time to sort out the details, as the official launch of the new channel will take place in 2024.

AI journalists

Clearing the field of misunderstandings is the 22-minute video on Channel 1’s website showing the behaviour of the avatar-hosts. The initial impact is obviously shocking because the very written statement specifying the presence of people created with AI extols the abilities of these systems, which can provide optimal results in replicating human likenesses. Unlike most videos circulating online, there is no deepfake designed to fool users watching the clip.

At the beginning of the news report, the avatars themselves state: ‘You can hear us and see our lips move, but we are powered by sophisticated systems behind the scenes‘. So no humans, but only replicas created from real people who have lent themselves, no doubt for a fee. Generally speaking, observing the head and hand movements, the facial details and the intonation of the voice, it feels like watching and listening to one of the news programmes we see on TV every day. This is quite disturbing, not only because it means that a good number of journalists will be replaced by avatars that resemble them.

AI systems are ready to design a new world

The future looks like this, after all, because even the physical flaws and repetitions of gestures or the choice of words used that are noticeable on closer inspection are details that are destined to be resolved in a short time with the developments of a technology that is still in its infancy. On the other hand, Mosam’s move with Channel 1 is based on a precise assumption, shared by the founder: ‘We have reached the point where watching AI-generated news is comfortable and effective‘.

Reinforcing this belief is the ease with which avatars can switch languages to tell news to different audiences. In the Channel 1 video, an avatar conductor explains how she can repeat the same sentences in English, French, Filipino, and any other idiom she wishes. What we have seen seems to tell us that the time is ripe for a profound transformation, which it is worth repeating will not only affect publishing, journalism and television. Because almost no one will be able to escape the long tentacles of artificial intelligence.