In a bold and controversial move, Off Radio Krakow, a public radio station in Poland, recently faced significant backlash after it aired a purported interview with Nobel Prize-winning poet Wislawa Szymborska, who passed away in 2012. This experiment involved the use of artificial intelligence to reconstruct the late poet's voice, causing outrage among listeners and former staff.
Lukasz Zaleski, the program's former host, was particularly incensed by the station's decision to employ AI technology in this way. Although Zaleski acknowledged that the AI-generated voice was “very, very good,” he firmly stated, “I went to her funeral, so I know for sure that she is dead.” The outcry following the airing of this "unique interview" highlighted the ethical concerns surrounding the use of AI in media, particularly in representing individuals who can no longer speak for themselves.
The aim of this AI experiment, as described by Mariusz Marcin Pulit, who oversees Radio Krakow, was to breathe new life into an otherwise struggling station that reportedly had “close to zero” listeners. However, this approach has raised serious questions about the appropriateness of replacing human hosts with technology and whether digital imitations can genuinely resonate with audiences.
Despite their intentions, Off Radio Krakow's attempt to blend innovation with nostalgia has instead ignited a debate over the limits of technology and the respect owed to cultural figures who have passed away. As listeners demand accountability, this incident serves as a cautionary tale about the rapidly evolving landscape of media and the delicate balance between creativity and ethics.
