The presence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the mainstream media has been steadily rising for years, with many countries already employing AI in numerous aspects of their local broadcasting, publishing, and the like.
It is undeniable that many in the world are still trying to accept this infiltration of technology into many industries, as well as pointing out its ethical implications to employment. But, many also acknowledge the fact that Artificial Intelligence (AI), when used correctly, has the potential to become a tool in media, broadcasting, and journalism.
China was the first country to make moves into employing AI-generated news anchors in 2018. Xinhua, the country’s state news agency, and Sogou, a Chinese tech company, developed the first AI anchors and unveiled them at the 2018 World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, Zhejiang, China.
Xinhua News Agency and Sogou developed and patterned the AI anchors after real-life Xinhua newscasters, with one being an English-speaking one figured after Zhang Zhao, and the Chinese-speaking one after Qiu Hao. In 2019, the same company introduced its first female AI anchor Xin Xiaomeng, who then made her debut in “Two Sessions” political meetings in March 2019.
A few years later, in 2023, the world began adapting to the age of AI tech, especially the journalism sector. More and more countries—across Asia and Europe, have now introduced their own AI news anchors.
Here is a list of countries that have launched their own AI-generated news anchors who are currently active and the dates they started.
India
Sana (Aaj Tak news channel) – She made history in 2023 when she delivered a news report completely in French.
Lisa (Odisha TV) – She presents news bulletins in English and Odia – a language spoken in India. India’s first regional AI news anchor.
Soundarya (Power TV) – She presents weather reports.
Indonesia
Nadira (TVOne) – Patterned after TVOne’s own human news anchors, Fahada Indi. She is able to speak in British and American-accented English, Chinese, and local dialects (Javanese and Sundanese). Aside from Nadira, multiple AI anchors have been introduced in the country such as Sasya, Bhoomi, Roni, Andini, Devano, Kiko, Anya, Rania, and Glenn.
Taiwan
Ni Zhen (July 2023) – FTV News. She was created using Artificial Intelligence Global Company (AIGC) tech.
Kuwait
Fedha – She is the Middle East’s first-ever AI news anchor.
Malaysia
Joon (Astro Awani channel 501) – He delivers the evening news reports in Malay.
Monica – She is more Scandinavian in appearance and appears in Astro Awani’s Agenda AWANI talk show nightly.
Greece
Hermes (ERT) – He is named after the Greek messenger of the Gods.
Bangladesh
Aparajita (Channel 24) – She was introduced at the 7 P.M. bulletin of the private television station Channel 24.
South Korea
Zae In (SBS) – She was created by the company Pulse9 and its technology, “Deep Real AI.” She is also a part of the virtual girl group IITERNITI. She reports on the current affairs segment of SBS titled, “Morning Wide Part 3.”
Y-Go and Y-On (YTN News channel) – The two (man and woman, respectively) were developed by AI developer ESTsoft by combining YTN employees’ faces.
J-na (Weekly Jeju) – She delivers policy updates and news from Jeju island.
Philippines
Maia and Marco (GMA Network) – They are the Philippines’ first-ever AI generated sportscasters. The two had debuted during the start of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99.
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