Radio Station Faces Backlash for Hiding AI Host Behind Human Persona

The AI Host Behind the Mic

Sydney’s CADA radio station, part of the Australian Radio Network (ARN), has sparked controversy after it was revealed that their weekday show, Workdays with Thy, was actually hosted by an artificial intelligence persona named Thy. For months, the station promoted Thy as a real woman, even sharing images to create the illusion of a genuine human presenter.

Creation and Deception

The AI host was developed using ElevenLabs, a state-of-the-art AI audio platform that transforms text into realistic speech. Thy's voice and appearance were modeled after a real ARN employee from the finance department. Despite being on air for nearly six months, CADA never disclosed that Thy was an AI-generated avatar, misleading their audience about the true nature of their host.

Ethical Concerns and Public Outcry

The revelation triggered widespread criticism about the ethics of using AI in such a covert manner. Listeners and industry experts alike expressed concerns over trust and transparency in media. Teresa Lim, Vice President of the Australian Association of Voice Actors, publicly criticized the lack of disclosure. Many argue that audiences have the right to know whether they are listening to a human or an AI during broadcasts.

Diversity and Representation Issues

Thy was presented as an Asian woman, but critics pointed out the station’s actual lineup lacked genuine diversity. This raised debates about exploiting diversity optics for marketing by substituting authentic personalities with synthetic ones.

Calls for Regulation

The incident has intensified calls for stricter regulations and clearer guidelines on the use of AI in broadcasting. As AI technology continues to evolve, ensuring transparency and ethical standards in media becomes increasingly vital.