Kuwait News has introduced an AI television presenter, which the media outlet has created using artificial intelligence (AI). The presenter, named ‘Fedha’ made her debut on Kuwait News’ Twitter account, which is an affiliate of the Kuwait Times.
Kuwait introduces ‘Fedha’
The move tested AI’s potential to offer “new and innovative content,” according to an interview with Kuwait News editor-in-chief Abdullah Boftain and AFP.
“I’m Fedha, the first presenter in Kuwait who works with artificial intelligence at Kuwait News. What kind of news do you prefer? Let’s hear your opinions,” Fedha said in Arabic.
Boftain also said that Fedha may further develop to read online news bulletins in a Kuwaiti accent, adding that “Fedha is a popular, old Kuwaiti name that refers to silver, the metal. We always imagine robots to be silver and metallic in colour, so we combined the two.”
Boftain also added that the presenter’s blonde hair and light eyes are representative of Kuwait’s multicultural population, which includes both Kuwaiti locals and expatriates.
China’s state news agency introduced an AI-generated news anchor in 2018, and Kuwait’s recent introduction of a similar virtual presenter is not the first of its kind.
According to a recent report by Goldman Sachs, AI technology has the potential to replace around 300 million full-time jobs.
The report also highlights the possibility of AI taking over 25% of work tasks in Europe and the US, while also creating new jobs and leading to increased productivity.
