Kuwait News introduces “Fedha”, an AI-generated news presenter to test AI’s potential for innovative content creation.
Kuwait News, a media outlet affiliated with the Kuwait Times, has caused a stir in the news industry by launching an AI-powered virtual news presenter named “Fedha”. The virtual presenter made its first appearance on the outlet’s Twitter account as an image of a woman sporting a black jacket and white T-shirt, with light-colored hair.
Testing AI’s Potential
According to Abdullah Boftain, deputy editor-in-chief for Kuwait News, the move aims to test AI’s potential to offer new and innovative content. In a statement to the AFP news agency, Boftain expressed excitement for the possibilities that AI technology offers for the future of news reporting.
The AI-generated presenter spoke in Arabic, introducing herself as Fedha, the first news presenter in Kuwait to work with artificial intelligence at Kuwait News. She asked the audience for their preferred type of news and requested their opinions.
Customizable AI Presenter
According to Boftain, Fedha, the virtual presenter, may potentially acquire a Kuwaiti accent and begin reading online news bulletins. Boftain also highlighted that the presenter’s blonde hair and light-colored eyes were chosen to represent the diversity of Kuwait’s population, including both Kuwaitis and expatriates. Additionally, Boftain explained that Fedha’s name is derived from a popular and traditional Kuwaiti name that means silver.
Virtual News Presenters: A Growing Trend
While Kuwait is not the first country to unveil an AI-generated news presenter, the development follows a trend in the news industry towards utilizing virtual presenters to enhance content delivery. China’s state news agency revealed its own virtual newsreader in 2018, who appeared in a sleek suit and had a slightly robotic voice.
Implications for the Future of Work
The introduction of Fedha also comes in the wake of a report last month by investment bank Goldman Sachs, which suggested that AI could replace the equivalent of 300 million full-time jobs. As per the report, AI technology has the potential to replace 25% of work tasks in the US and Europe, but it could also lead to a surge in productivity and the creation of new jobs.
Conclusion
With the unveiling of Fedha, Kuwait News has taken a bold step towards exploring the potential of AI technology in news reporting. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more AI-powered virtual news presenters in the future, reshaping the way we consume and interact with news content.
