One of Kuwait’s most famous media outlets has unveiled a virtual news anchor created with the help of artificial intelligence. “Fedha”, as she was called, looked like an ordinary woman with blond hair, dressed in a black jacket and a white T-shirt.

“I am Fedha, the first AI anchor in Kuwait at Kuwait News. What kind of news do you prefer? Let’s hear your opinion, ”he is first heard speaking in Arabic.

first reporter in #Love Works with artificial intelligence

• #silver.. anchor #كويت_نيوز default

• What kind of news do you like to present? #silver A milet gedia? .. pic.twitter.com/VlVjasSdpb

— Kuwait News (@KuwaitNews) April 8, 2023

Abdullah Boftein, deputy editor of the newspaper and website, said the move was a test of AI’s ability to provide “new and innovative content.” He also added that Fedha can use a Kuwaiti accent and present news bulletins on Twitter.

“Fedha is a popular old Kuwaiti name that refers to silver… We always imagine robots in silver and metallic colors, so we combined the two,” he said. “The blond hair and light eyes of the presenter reflect the diversity of the population of the oil-rich country of Kuwait,” he added. “Fedha represents everyone.”

Her first 13-second video caused a storm of responses on social networks, including from journalists.

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence around the world has raised promises of benefits in areas such as healthcare, but also concerns about its ability to spread disinformation, as well as threats to jobs and artistic integrity.

Kuwait is ranked 158 out of 180 countries and territories in Reporters Without Borders’ 2022 Press Freedom Index.

Source: Guardian