JERUSALEM (AP) — Renowned Israeli TV journalist Moshe Nussbaum, also known as “Nussi,” faced a career crisis when ALS affected his speech. Now, with the use of artificial intelligence technology recreating his distinctive voice, Nussbaum is making a comeback at 71 years old.
Diagnosed with ALS two years ago, a disease that weakens muscle control, Nussbaum initially struggled to continue his work at Israel’s Channel 12 News. Despite his determination to persist, the progression of the disease made it increasingly challenging for him to report from the field, where he had covered significant events for over four decades.
Unable to participate in coverage during the Gaza war triggered by a Hamas attack, Nussbaum adapted by conducting interviews with injured soldiers from hospitals. As his speech deteriorated, Channel 12 announced his return as a commentator with the aid of AI technology.
Nussbaum expressed gratitude for the technology’s potential to assist individuals with disabilities, including himself. Although excited by the innovation, he also voiced concerns about potential misuse for spreading misinformation.
Utilizing AI trained on his voice recordings, Nussbaum will focus on providing commentary and analysis rather than field reporting. The technology enables his voice to be replicated convincingly, ensuring a seamless transition to his new role.
Channel 12 showcased a preview of the AI-generated Nussbaum, displaying a stark difference from his natural, impaired speech. While he may not be able to return to on-site reporting, Nussbaum looks forward to utilizing his expertise in national security and crime analysis in this new chapter of his career.
With his distinctive bushy eyebrows moving up and down for emphasis, AI Nussbaum opens up about his return to the studio after a hiatus of more than a year. “Honestly, this is my first time sitting here in the studio after more than a year,” Nussbaum reveals in the preview. “It feels a bit strange, and mostly, it tugs at my heart.”
The advancement of AI-powered voice cloning technology has surged in recent years, prompting concerns from experts about its potential negative impacts. The technology has the capability to escalate phone scams, disrupt democratic processes, and infringe upon the dignity of individuals, both living and deceased, by recreating their voices without consent to utter words they never spoke.
Instances have arisen where the technology was misused to create deepfake robocalls imitating the voice of President Joe Biden. In a recent case in the United States, a high school athletic director faced charges for employing AI to fabricate an audio clip of the school’s principal making derogatory racial remarks.
However, amidst these controversies, the technology also holds promise in aiding individuals who have lost the ability to communicate clearly. For instance, a congresswoman in the U.S. incapacitated by complications from Parkinson’s disease utilized a similar AI program to deliver a speech on the House floor. Additionally, a young woman who lost her voice due to a tumor benefited from the technology’s assistance.
Channel 12 has opted not to disclose the specific AI program being utilized for their operations.
Nussbaum, who had concerns that ALS would hinder his cherished career, reflects on his journey in an interview with Channel 12. “Don’t feel like you’re pitying me, doing me a favor,” he shared with his managers. “The day you come to the conclusion that this is it — tell me. I’ll know how to accept it without a problem.”
Describing his AI-enabled persona as a “magic trick” that facilitated his comeback, Nussbaum is optimistic that it will raise awareness in Israel regarding the possibilities for individuals with disabilities, particularly those with progressive conditions, to continue working. “The fact that Channel 12 and my news managers are allowing me to reinvent myself anew, that is one of the most important medicines I can get in my fight with this disease,” he remarked.
