The Jeju provincial government has taken a futuristic step by hiring a virtual news anchor to lead its weekly program on YouTube. Nicknamed “J-na,” the computer-generated anchor presents political updates and local news from the island using scripts generated by artificial intelligence (AI).
The move is a cost-effective solution, with the program run by a private company at a cost of 600,000 won ($450) per month.
Explaining the decision, a Jeju official said“Employing human anchors incurs significant costs, so we looked for an alternative and settled on J-na.” The name “J-na” is derived from the combination of the initial letters of “Jeju”, “News” and “AI”, according to The Straits Times.
In the latest segment of “Weekly Jeju,” broadcast on March 8 on the province’s official YouTube channel and website, J-na appeared in a blue dress, announcing the news with occasional subtle movements to imitate natural gestures. . To ensure accessibility, a sign language expert provided simultaneous interpretation of J-na’s reports in one corner of the screen.
AI news anchors becoming a trend in media
This is not the first time that AI news anchors have debuted in Korea. On November 6, 2020, MBN, a local broadcaster, unveiled an AI-based news anchor modeled after a human named Kim Joo-ha. The broadcaster has since integrated daily programs featuring the AI news anchor.
Additionally, in early 2023, SBS introduced Zae-in, an AI-powered virtual human, for its current affairs segment titled “Morning Wide Part 3”. Zae-in, created by AI company Pulse9, is also a member of the virtual girl group Eternity.
YTN, the cable news channel, celebrated its 30th anniversary in September 2023 by introducing AI news anchors Y-Go and Y-On, representing male and female anchors, respectively. These virtual presenters, created by AI developer ESTsoft, are built by blending the faces of YTN employees.
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(Photo: JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images)
Last year, the introduction of AI news anchors faced backlash in the Philippines. GMA Network’s introduction of two AI sports anchors named Maia and Marco aimed to be a pioneer in an evolving media landscape. However, Filipino journalists express reservations about using AI journalists to cover local sports.
Despite technological advancements, there has been a notable public outcry against GMA Network and its decision to use these AI avatars. Members of the sports and media industry in the Philippines are expressing their concerns on the Philippines’ main broadcast network’s use of AI news anchors, with many expressing opposition to the use of the technology, as TechTimes previously reported.
Popular sportscaster Anthony Suntay has openly opposed the integration of generative AI in Philippine media, saying he is “not in favor of it.” He stressed that AI “can’t replicate” the “love and passion for the game” that human journalists bring.
Noli Eala, chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, has also publicly expressed his stance on AI. While recognizing the importance of progress, he strongly rejected AI and emphasized his commitment to traditional approaches.
AI threatens to replace 300 million human workers
AI Has Potential to Replace About 300 Million Full-Time Jobs, Investment Bank Report Says Goldman Sachs. The report suggests that AI could automate a quarter of work tasks in the United States and Europe, which could lead to the creation of new technologies. new job opportunities and an increase in productivity, according to Nexford University.
Additionally, it projects a potential 7% increase in the total annual value of global goods and services. The report also warns that about two-thirds of jobs in the United States and Europe face some level of exposure to AI automation, with about 25% of all jobs likely to be fully executed by AI technology.
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