A startup called Channel 1 News is set to launch this year as a new type of video news channel that uses generative artificial intelligence (AI). Founded by producer and director Scott Zabielski and tech entrepreneur Adam Mosam, Channel 1 aims to create personalized news experiences for viewers. It plans to launch with a 30-minute weekly show accessible through an ad-supported app or video platform. The long-term goal is to produce customized newscasts for every user.
The AI-generated anchors and correspondents in the demo clips look convincing, but Zabielski and Mosam acknowledge that improvements are needed. They believe that in the future, AI technology will reach a point where it is indistinguishable from humans presenting the news.
The rationale behind Channel 1 is to provide a more personalized news experience, similar to how platforms like Spotify and TikTok use personalized algorithms to cater to individual preferences. The startup plans to eventually use generative AI to recreate events that were not captured by cameras, such as courtroom sketches.
While Channel 1 will use large language models (LLMs) to write its scripts, the company intends to source its stories from credible places and verify the accuracy of the reports through a team of editors. The startup aims to bring together viewers with different perspectives by offering liberal and conservative hosts who deliver the news filtered through specific points of view, while maintaining factual reporting.
Generative AI has become a hot-button issue in the media industry, with concerns raised about its impact on jobs. Despite this, Channel 1 believes that AI has the potential to evolve into something competitive in the entertainment industry. The business model for Channel 1 will include interstitial ads, native ads, and promoted content.
Mosam sees Channel 1 as the next big technological shift in the industry and believes that AI-powered news channels have the potential to revolutionize the way news is consumed.
