The rise of artificial intelligence has led to significant changes across various sectors of the economy. However, these shifts have not amounted to the drastic upheavals many have feared. AI technology still falls short of matching human capabilities, as demonstrated by tests on popular tools like ChatGPT, which have shown how easily they can be "broken."

While AI is ultimately designed to assist and streamline work rather than eliminate jobs, the reality is proving different. Some businesses cut costs by replacing graphic designers and copywriters with AI solutions. In a highly controversial move, OFF Radio Krakow recently dismissed its entire team of experienced editors and journalists. Their replacements? A trio of AI-generated "students".

On Monday, 21 October, OFF Radio Krakow announced that the station would be almost entirely run by artificial intelligence from the following day. The station’s management described the controversial decision as "an experiment in media and research," aimed at exploring the potential impact of AI on culture, media, journalism, and society.

In place of real presenters, OFF Radio Krakow’s programmes will now be hosted by three AI-generated personalities:

• 20-year-old Emilia "Emi" Nowak, a journalism student and pop culture enthusiast, who follows the latest trends in cinema, music, and fashion.
• 22-year-old Jakub "Kuba" Zieliński, an Acoustic Engineering student at AGH University of Science and Technology, specialising in technology and music, with a keen interest in sound production and new technological innovations.
• 23-year-old Alex Szulc, a socially engaged former psychology student, passionate about identity, queer culture, and the influence of media on society.

News of the decision quickly spread online, sparking strong protests from listeners, industry professionals, and those closely connected to OFF Radio Krakow. Mateusz Demski, a former presenter who hosted his own show on the station for three years, voiced his outrage over the situation.

"Artificial creations are expected to discuss culture and art, social issues, civil rights, and the needs of the queer community—subjects within the humanities that demand a special kind of sensitivity and awareness. We cannot stay silent, and I certainly will not. I urge everyone to support this cause and help spread the word through all possible channels—share this blog post, sign our petition (below!), and reach out to friends, family, and anyone with influence," wrote Demski, expressing his anger.

Demski attributed the decision to automate OFF Radio Krakow's content to Marcin Pulit, who justified the move by claiming that the AI-generated programming is "aimed at Generation Z, responding to their interests and needs, and addressing topics that matter to them, while also examining how AI might shape their perceptions and consumption of information." Demski pointed out that Pulit's statement did not mention that more than a dozen employees were dismissed just before these changes took effect.

"The case of OFF Radio Krakow serves as a stark warning for the entire media industry. It sets a dangerous precedent that threatens all of us—media professionals, people of culture, and listeners alike. This irrational initiative has emerged within public media, a sector that is supposed to uphold credibility, reliability, and authenticity standards. According to the National Broadcasting Council's statute, public media must ensure pluralism, impartiality, balance, and independence, as well as maintain high quality and integrity," Demski cautioned, urging supporters to sign a petition opposing the replacement of media workers with artificial intelligence.