The Jeju Island government has taken a futuristic step by hiring a virtual news anchor to lead a weekly YouTube program. A computer-generated presenter called “J-na” uses scripts generated by artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver policy updates and local news from the island.
The move is being made as a cost-effective solution, with the program being managed by a private contractor for a monthly fee of 600,000 won (about 45,000 yen).
Regarding the decision, a Jeju government official said, “Since hiring a human newscaster would be costly, we looked for an alternative and chose J-NA.'' According to The Straits Times, the name “J-na” is a combination of the initials of “Jeju”, “News” and “AI”.
In the latest corner of Weekly Jeju, which was broadcast on the prefecture's official YouTube channel and website on March 8, J-Na appeared in a blue dress and made occasional subtle movements that imitated natural gestures as she read the news. I told you. To ensure accessibility, a sign language expert simultaneously interpreted J-na's report in the corner of the screen.
AI news presenters are becoming a media trend
This is not the first time that an AI news presenter has debuted in South Korea. On November 6, 2020, local broadcaster MBN announced an AI news host modeled after a human named Kim Ju-ha. Since then, the station has included his AI News program featuring his anchors daily.
Additionally, in early 2023, SBS introduced Zae-in, an AI-powered virtual human, in its current affairs corner titled “Morning Wide Part 3.” His Zae-in, created by the AI company Pulse9, is also a virtual girl and member of his band Eternity.
Cable news channel YTN celebrated its 30th anniversary in September 2023 and introduced AI news presenters Y-Go and Y-On, representing male and female anchors respectively. These virtual presenters were created by AI development company ESTsoft and 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 presenters faced a backlash in the Philippines. GMA Network's introduction of his two AI sportscasters named Maia and Marco was aimed at tapping into the changing media landscape. However, Filipino journalists are reluctant to use AI reporters to cover local sports.
Despite the push for technological advancement, there was a notable public outcry against GMA Network and its decision to employ these AI avatars. As TechTimes previously reported, members of the Philippine sports and media industry have expressed concerns about the use of AI news presenters by the country's major broadcast networks, with many expressing opposition to the use of the technology. I am.
Veteran sports broadcaster Anthony Santay has openly opposed the integration of generative AI in Philippine media, expressing his disapproval by saying, “I'm not for it.” He stressed that AI “cannot replicate” the “love and passion for the game” that human reporters bring.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Noli Aira has also publicly expressed his stance on AI. Although he acknowledged the importance of progress, he firmly rejected AI and emphasized a commitment to traditional approaches.
AI threatens to replace 300 million human workers
According to a report from investment bank Goldman Sachs, AI could replace around 300 million full-time jobs. According to Nexford University, the report suggests that across the US and Europe, AI could automate a quarter of jobs, creating new job opportunities and boosting productivity. Masu.
Furthermore, we predict that the total annual value of global goods and services could increase by 7%. The report also warns that around two-thirds of jobs in the US and Europe are exposed to some degree of AI automation, and around 25% of all jobs could be performed entirely by AI technology. There is.
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