The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in China is not limited to DeepSeek. The recent debut of AI-powered virtual anchors on a Chinese television station has ignited a heated debate about the future of media and the potential displacement of human journalists.
During the Chinese New Year holiday, Hangzhou Comprehensive Channel entrusted its main news program, "Hangzhou News Network," to six AI anchors. The AI anchors delivered the news flawlessly, without a single mistake in pronunciation or tone, a feat that even seasoned human anchors sometimes struggle to achieve.
This is not the first time AI anchors have appeared on Chinese television. In 2021, China Central Television (CCTV) introduced "Xiao C," an AI anchor, during the annual Two Sessions. Since then, other AI anchors have emerged on various channels, including "Shen Yuya" on Shanghai TV, "Xiao Yang" on Hunan TV, "Shi Jian Xiaoni" on Beijing TV, and "Gu Xiaoyu" on Zhejiang Satellite TV.
Last year, CCTV Finance Media launched AI anchors "Xiao Tian" and "Xiao Dong," modeled after its own anchors Guo Ruotian and Meng Jintong. These AI anchors answered viewers' questions on economics, industry, and tourism 24 hours a day. CCTV highlighted the advantage of AI anchors being able to work around the clock, allowing human anchors to take vacations.
Hangzhou Comprehensive Channel also emphasized that its AI anchors allowed human anchors to enjoy the Spring Festival holiday. This narrative promotes an optimistic view of AI, suggesting that it can improve people's lives.
However, the flawless performance of AI anchors has raised concerns rather than optimism. Online discussions question whether human anchors are necessary if AI can deliver the news perfectly. Some worry that AI could replace human journalists altogether, leading to job losses in the media industry.
The impact is particularly felt by students majoring in journalism and broadcasting. Many express concerns about their future career prospects, with some even considering changing their major.
Chinese media outlets have called for a forward-thinking approach to technological advancements. Some suggest that AI anchors could be used for late-night shifts to improve efficiency, while human anchors should focus on developing skills that require creativity and critical thinking, such as asking insightful questions and conducting investigative journalism.
Wang Yiting, a professor at Zhejiang University, argues that human anchors will not be completely replaced, as they can provide emotional support and connection to viewers, especially the elderly.
Many media outlets have also highlighted the cost-saving benefits of AI anchors for broadcasting companies. Some suggest using AI for breaking news during disasters, while others argue that human anchors should focus on developing empathy and communication skills to connect with victims and provide comfort.
The debate about the competitiveness of human journalists in the age of AI is likely to continue. One blogger expressed a common sentiment, saying, "I'm not afraid of AI anchors that look like humans, but I'm afraid of live broadcasts being replaced by AI anchors."
This article highlights the growing presence of AI in Chinese media and the resulting debate about its impact on the industry and its workforce. While AI offers benefits such as efficiency and cost reduction, it also raises concerns about job security and the need for human journalists to adapt and develop new skills to remain relevant in the changing media landscape.
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