What happened

Weeks after laying off its journalists, OFF Radio Krakow announced that it was moving to an AI-powered model. "Is artificial intelligence more of an opportunity or a threat to media, radio, and journalism? We will seek answers to this question," the station head, Marcin Pulit, wrote in a relaunch statement. 

Designed to appeal to younger audiences, the AI presenters - Eli Nowa, a journalism student; Kuba, a technology and music specialist; and Alex, who focuses on social engagement - are tasked with programming music, conducting interviews, and discussing cultural and social issues, including LGBTQ+ topics.

The decision led to a heated backlash from former staff and listeners, and to over 15,000 people signing a petition against the move. 

It also resulted in Krzysztof Gawkowski, Poland's minister of digital affairs and a deputy prime minister, saying that legislation is needed to regulate AI.

"Although I am a fan of AI development, I believe that certain boundaries are being crossed more and more," he wrote on X. "The widespread use of AI must be done for people, not against them!"

Why it happened

The primary motivation behind this shift was a comprehensive analysis indicating that OFF Radio Krakow's audience engagement was minimal. 

According to Marcin Pulit, the station's editor-in-chief, the overlap in content with other channels and the low listenership necessitated a radical change. 

Although Pulit said that no journalists were fired due to its move to AI, many employees had been let go as part of a restructuring plan that coincided with the introduction of AI at the station.