The traditional newspaper industry has seen a significant decline in recent years, with many publications struggling to stay afloat in the digital age. One such publication, The Garden Island on the rural Hawaiian island of Kauai, found it challenging to hire reporters when needed. However, last Thursday, the paper introduced two new journalists who are not human reporters but AI avatars created by an Israeli company called Caledo. James, a middle-aged Asian man who does not blink, and Rose, a younger redhead who struggles with pronunciation, presented their first news broadcast, raising eyebrows among the audience.
During their broadcast, James’ hands continuously vibrated, and Rose’s mouth did not always sync up with the words she was speaking. Additionally, their delivery was lacking in key information, with Rose simply listing hotels affected by a strike without discussing the implications. Despite the AI avatars’ attempt to engage viewers through conversation, the overall performance left much to be desired.
Caledo’s platform analyzes prewritten news articles and transforms them into a “live broadcast” featuring AI hosts like James and Rose. This innovation aims to provide small local newsrooms with the opportunity to create live broadcasts, potentially increasing revenue through embedded advertising and attracting a younger audience more inclined to watch videos than read articles. While other companies have utilized AI avatars to read articles aloud, Caledo claims to be the first platform allowing hosts to engage in conversation with one another.
The introduction of AI avatars on The Garden Island has sparked mixed reactions from viewers and the public. Instagram comments under the broadcasts ranged from scathing critiques to outright dismissal of the technology. Some viewers expressed a desire to keep journalism local, while others found the AI avatars to be unsettling and reminiscent of nightmares. This feedback raises questions about the impact of AI technology on the journalism industry and the role of human reporters in delivering news.
The decision of The Garden Island to adopt AI broadcast technology may come as a surprise, considering the publication’s previous financial struggles and outdated website. With a history of being passed between media conglomerates, the paper has faced challenges in adapting to new technologies and maintaining a stable workforce. The introduction of AI avatars may signal a shift towards digital innovation but also raises concerns about the future of journalism in local communities like Kauai.
The integration of AI avatars on local newspapers like The Garden Island presents both opportunities and challenges for the journalism industry. While the technology offers a new way to engage audiences and generate revenue, it also raises questions about the authenticity and reliability of news reporting. As the media landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for publications to strike a balance between innovation and upholding journalistic integrity.