Auhona Roy Chowdhury, Pune
Odisha-based private news channel, OTV, has introduced Lisa, an AI-powered virtual news anchor. Lisa, dressed in a traditional handloom saree, has been programmed to deliver news in both Odia and English on OTV Network’s television and digital platforms.
This groundbreaking innovation marks a significant advancement in television and its embrace of artificial intelligence technology, not just in Orissa but all across. The computer-generated model employs natural language processing and deep learning to generate realistic speech and facial expressions, enabling her to present news stories with accuracy and emotion. Additionally, AI news anchors have the ability to respond to viewer queries in real time, potentially revolutionizing news delivery and providing personalized news experiences.
OTV Managing Director, Jagi Mangat Panda, expressed excitement regarding the introduction of this model. She exclaimed how Lisa’s introduction marks the beginning of AI’s utilization in television broadcasting with prospects of achieving numerous milestones in the future.
OTV Digital Business Head Litisha Mangat Panda reported to the media, “Training Lisa in Odia was a huge task, which we could achieve. However, we are still working on it. We are hoping to get her trained to the level in which she could interact with others easily.”
While the introduction of AI news anchors like Lisa presents exciting opportunities, concerns have arisen regarding the potential misuse of this technology to disseminate misinformation or propaganda.
OTV, the first private electronic media outlet in Odisha, was initially launched in 1997 in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. It later transitioned from cable to satellite broadcasting in December 2006.