Groundbreaking transition raises industry concerns

In a controversial move that has ignited debate across Poland’s media landscape, OFF Radio Krakow has launched what it calls “the first [AI] experiment in Poland,” replacing human journalists with artificial intelligence presenters. The station’s bold initiative, aimed at attracting younger audiences to discussions on culture, art, and social issues, has met with significant public resistance.

Industry professionals sound alarm

The transition has prompted immediate backlash from media professionals, led by former station host Mateusz Demski. In a widely circulated open letter that has garnered over 15,000 signatures, Demski warns of “a dangerous precedent that hits us all.” His concerns focus on the potential displacement of experienced media professionals and creative industry workers by artificial intelligence.

Management perspective

Marcin Pulit, the station’s head, frames the change differently, positioning it as an experimental exploration of AI’s potential impact on journalism. Addressing the controversy, Pulit clarified in a statement that contrary to reports, no journalists were fired; rather, their external contracts had naturally concluded in August.

Pioneering content and political response

The station has already begun producing innovative content, including an AI-generated interview with the late Nobel Prize-winning poet Wisława Szymborska, who died in 2012. However, the experiment has drawn attention from Poland’s highest levels of government, with Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski calling for regulatory frameworks to ensure AI benefits society without displacing human workers.

Looking ahead

As this pioneering initiative unfolds, it raises fundamental questions about the future relationship between artificial intelligence and traditional journalism, potentially setting precedents for media organizations worldwide. The debate continues to evolve as industry stakeholders and the public grapple with the implications of this technological shift.