Now Reading: AI newsbots enter Indian newsrooms as Odisha TV launches virtual anchor
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AI newsbots enter Indian newsrooms as Odisha TV launches virtual anchor
Odisha TV has introduced an AI-powered virtual news anchor, Lisa, who began presenting on the Indian broadcaster's channel earlier this month. The move has drawn mixed reactions from viewers, with some calling it 'pathbreaking' and others describing it as 'robotic' and 'emotionless'.
The launch highlights the growing use of artificial intelligence in Indian newsrooms. Supporters say virtual anchors remove 'ego hassles' and reduce costs, while critics worry about job losses for human journalists and presenters. The debate comes as AI newsbots gain traction in media organisations worldwide, raising questions about the future of journalism and employment in the sector.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Indian newsrooms have long struggled with thin margins, and AI anchors offer a way to cut salary costs while running 24-hour bulletins. But the real test will be audience trust: viewers in regional markets like Odisha are accustomed to familiar faces who connect on a personal level. Lisa's reception shows that while the technology works, acceptance is far from certain. The bigger question is whether AI anchors will replace human reporters or only handle routine studio reads. Watch for other regional broadcasters to follow Odisha TV's lead in the next quarter if the experiment holds viewership.
Source: asia.nikkei.com
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