A significant development in the intersection of artificial intelligence and journalism has emerged with the case of Moshe Nussbaum, a well-known Israeli television journalist. At the age of 71, Nussbaum, affectionately known as "Nussi," has made a return to the airwaves after facing the challenges posed by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that impairs speech and movement.
Nussbaum was diagnosed with ALS two years ago and had vowed to his viewers at Channel 12 News to continue his work as long as he was physically able. A veteran reporter with over four decades of experience, Nussbaum had covered numerous significant events in Israel, including wars and political scandals. However, following the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which ignited a new conflict in Gaza, he found himself unable to report from the field for the first time in his storied career.
Despite his increasingly limited ability to communicate, Nussbaum initiated a series of interviews with injured Israeli soldiers from hospitals. As his condition worsened and articulating speech became a challenge, his appearances began to dwindle. Channel 12 recently announced that Nussbaum would return to the air using AI technology designed to replicate his voice. He expressed his initial feelings about this technological advancement, stating, “It took me a few moments to absorb it and to understand that it is me speaking now,” in a text message to The Associated Press.
The process involves training an AI program on thousands of hours of recordings from Nussbaum’s extensive career, allowing it to closely mimic his intonation and speech patterns. This technology aims to provide a more natural sound compared to traditional text-to-speech options, which often lack emotional depth. While the technology is not yet ready for live broadcasts, Nussbaum will focus on commentary and analysis in areas he has covered for decades, such as crime and national security.
In preparation for his return, Channel 12 released a preview showing both Nussbaum’s authentic speech struggles and the enhanced AI version, which speaks fluently and emulates Nussbaum's signature style. In the preview, the AI incarnation remarked starkly, “Honestly, this is my first time sitting here in the studio after more than a year… It feels a bit strange, and mostly, it tugs my heart.”
The rapid advancements in AI-powered voice cloning have raised concerns among experts regarding the potential for misuse, such as in the production of deepfake audio intended for scams or false narratives. Nevertheless, Nussbaum and others in similar situations see the technology as a beacon of hope, signifying a new way for those with speech impairments to communicate effectively.
Nussbaum also expressed concerns about the implications of AI technology in disseminating misinformation, saying, “I am also worried about the ease with which the technology could be used by bad actors to spread fake news and falsehoods.” Despite these concerns, he perceives the AI tool as a “magic trick” that allows him to return to his passion for journalism, highlighting the broader implications for how such technologies could assist individuals with disabilities in the workforce.
His managers at Channel 12 have expressed support for his comeback, and Nussbaum is determined that his new virtual identity could raise awareness in Israel about the capabilities of people with disabilities, particularly those facing progressive conditions like ALS. Through this innovative approach, Nussbaum hopes to demonstrate that adaptations and advancements can empower individuals to continue their professional contributions despite physical limitations.
Source: Noah Wire Services