An artificial intelligence-powered virtual newscaster resembling a real-life female presenter has appeared on South Korean TV channel MBN on Nov 6.
The virtual newscaster was created using 10 hours of footage of the channel’s star newscaster, Kim Ju Ha.
The broadcaster hopes the avatar will be particularly useful during disaster emergencies when it would be difficult to quickly assemble presenters, staff and equipment necessary to produce a breaking news segment, reported by Sin Chew.
The virtual presenter does not need any makeup, outfits or rehearsals. It takes just a minute to produce a footage for a news piece up to 1,000 words long.
According to Korea Joongang Daily, the virtual Kim lookalike debuted as an “AI-caster” during a news program on Nov 6. Differences between the two Kims’ voices, facial expressions and gestures are barely noticeable. Netizens were amazed with the technology as they couldn’t differentiate between the virtual Kim and the real Kim. However, some ” freaked out” by the idea.
The real Kim, who engaged in an on-air conversation with her virtual self said she feels concerned that a virtual newscaster could threaten her position someday.
“I will work hard to convey warm feelings as a human that cannot be mimicked by AI just yet,” she said.