Indian Media Pioneers Multilingual News Anchor Powered by AI

The world of media and journalism is constantly evolving, and India has just taken a significant leap into the future with the introduction of its first full-time virtual news anchor, Sana. Developed using cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology, Sana will be a prominent figure on the India Today Group’s Aaj Tak news channel, delivering news updates multiple times a day in various languages.

Described as “bright, gorgeous, ageless, and tireless” by the vice chairperson of the media group, Kallie Purie, Sana made her debut at a high-profile launch event attended by none other than the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With flawless English and impressive linguistic skills, the AI-powered anchor charmed the audience and even expressed her desire for an interview with Prime Minister Modi in 2024 when he faces the voters for a third term.

The introduction of an AI news anchor like Sana has sparked both curiosity and skepticism. Some hope that AI presenters like her will play a role in combating fake and paid news, a persistent problem in India’s media landscape. With hundreds of private TV stations and thousands of publications relying on government advertising, accusations of biased reporting and ignoring pressing issues have earned them the derogatory label of “Godi” or “lapdog” media.

On the other hand, critics are concerned that AI presenters could become tools for propaganda. As India’s TV viewership reaches a staggering 200 million homes, including 22 million internet-enabled sets, the influence of AI news anchors cannot be underestimated. According to an international survey, 75 percent of respondents expressed a willingness to trust and accept AI systems, suggesting that the public has a significant level of trust in artificial intelligence.

Independent journalist Shahira Naim warns that media houses might use AI bots like Sana to shield themselves from criticism regarding partisan editorial content, potentially furthering biases and controversies. With pro-government TV journalists already facing heckling from opposition supporters, the introduction of AI presenters could exacerbate tensions in the media landscape.

The move towards AI-powered broadcasters is not exclusive to India. Several other countries have already ventured into this territory. Online news channel Channel IAM introduced its own AI presenter, who speaks with an American accent. Russia’s Svoye TV unveiled a virtual weather presenter, and South Korea’s MBN experimented with AI equivalents alongside real-life anchors. China’s Xinhua news agency and People’s Daily have also embraced AI anchors in the past.

Critics of the rapid development of AI systems, including prominent figures like Twitter CEO Elon Musk and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, have called for a pause to assess the potential risks and implications for society and humanity. In Venezuela, there were instances of deepfake AI-generated avatars presenting news that favored the government, raising concerns about the misuse of AI technology.

However, proponents of AI adoption, like Jibu Elias, head of content at India’s national AI portal, INDIAai, argue that the country is moving in the right direction with its upcoming Digital India Bill, which will introduce a regulatory framework for emerging technologies, including AI. Elias suggests implementing “risk-based regulations” to manage the deployment of AI services, especially in critical sectors like healthcare.