The Ethical Implications of A.I. in Broadcasting: A Controversial Interview with a Deceased Poet

Wed Oct 22 2025 04:34:37 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A Polish radio station faces backlash after using A.I. to generate an interview with Nobel laureate Wislawa Szymborska, leading to debates on the role of technology in journalism.

Off Radio Krakow sparked outrage by broadcasting an A.I.-generated interview with deceased poet Wislawa Szymborska, highlighting the ethical dilemmas of using technology to replace human voices, even those of icons. Former host Lukasz Zaleski expressed his dismay, bringing attention to the nuances of authenticity and artistic representation in the age of A.I.

When a public radio station in Poland decided to pivot towards artificial intelligence for a recent broadcast, they stirred considerable controversy in the realm of media ethics and cultural representation. Off Radio Krakow, a struggling local channel, made headlines for airing a so-called "unique interview" featuring the voice of Wislawa Szymborska, the celebrated Nobel Prize-winning poet who passed away in 2012.

The transition came after the cancellation of a popular arts-focused program that had been hosted by Lukasz Zaleski. Initially accepting the loss as a common result of industry changes, Zaleski's frustration grew when the station used A.I. technology to resurrect Szymborska’s voice, creating an illusion of conversation with the cultural luminary. While Zaleski acknowledged that the simulated interview was quite convincing, he remarked candidly that he had attended Szymborska's funeral—a reminder of the barriers that remain, even in our technologically advanced age.

This experiment underlines a deep-seated dilemma facing many media outlets: to cling to the traditions of storytelling and authentic human interaction, or to embrace cutting-edge innovation in a bid for relevance. The intention behind the A.I. interview was to breathe new life into a station that reportedly had “close to zero” listeners—a stark admission from Mariusz Marcin Pulit, the station's director.

Critics argue that such uses of A.I. threaten to undermine the integrity of journalistic pursuits and the authenticity of artistic voices, raising questions about consent and ethics in broadcasting. As technological advancements blur the lines of reality, the debate surrounding the role of A.I. in preserving culture and art prompts a reflection on what is lost when we substitute human connection for algorithmic precision.

As this discourse grows, the evolution of public engagement with culture and media remains at the forefront, challenging broadcasters and listeners alike to consider the implications of their choices and the future of cultural discourse.