The Media Show: Interview of an AI avatar

The Explanation

Four Al Jazeera journalists and two freelance journalists were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, prompting renewed scrutiny of press freedoms and the treatment of reporters in conflict zones. Israel claims one of the journalists, Anas al-Sharif, was affiliated with Hamas. Media rights groups have rejected the allegation, and questions remain about access restrictions and the role of freelancers. Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists, and Oren Persico, staff writer at Israeli outlet Seventh Eye discuss the risks and constraints facing journalists in Gaza and how the story is framed in Israeli media.

An AI-generated avatar of Joaquin Oliver, a teenager killed in the 2018 Parkland school shooting, has been interviewed by the former CNN anchor Jim Acosta. The avatar was created by Joaquin’s parents to raise awareness about gun violence. Manuel Oliver, co-founder of Change the Ref, and Claire Leibowicz, Head of the AI and Media Integrity Program at the Partnership on AI, explain how the avatar was made and the editorial implications of using avatars in journalism.

The i Paper’s housing correspondent Vicky Spratt broke the story that led to the resignation of a UK government minister – a story which came from her social media platform. She reflects on how digital platforms have changed the way journalists can source and share their work.

Presenter: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Dan Hardoon Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai Production Coordinator: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Mark Dickins Sound: Sarlota Hadroj Touzimska