“Rise of AI‑Based News Anchors in 2025: Is This the Future of Journalism?”

🎙️ What Are AI News Anchors?

AI news anchors are computer-generated personalities capable of delivering news bulletins using a blend of text-to-speech and multimodal AI. Starting in China in 2018, virtual anchors like Xinhua’s Xin Xiaowei have featured on prime-time broadcasts .

🇮🇳 Adoption in India

Sana debuted in March 2023 as India’s first AI anchor on Aaj Tak, proficient in multiple languages and known for her flawless delivery .

Lisa made headlines as the first AI anchor for Odia-speaking viewers on OTV .

Soundarya is NTTV’s Kannada AI anchor; Krish & Bhoomi deliver farming news on DD Kisan .

India Today launched regional talents like SAIli (Marathi), AIshwarya (Hindi), and NAIna (Bhojpuri) .

💡 Advantages of AI Anchors

24/7 broadcasting without fatigue

Cost-efficiency: No salaries or studio expenses  

Multilingual capability: Reach regional audiences without dubbing  

⚠️ Risks & Ethical Concerns

Deepfake disinformation: Experts caution AI anchors may spread misinformation that’s hard to detect  

Job displacement: Human anchors and reporters are facing existential threats  

Transparency issues: Viewers need to know if the newsreader is AI-generated  

🔍 Public & Industry Response

Media leaders like Vendhar TV’s COO see AI anchors as the next frontier—cost-effective and scalable  

Critics emphasize the need for ethical guidelines to prevent bias and maintain trust  

🎯 Future Outlook

India’s AI anchors—viewed as complementary newsroom tools—are expanding into specialized channels like agriculture (DD Kisan) and regional news. Expect:

Wider adoption in India’s tier 2–3 markets

AI anchors reading breaking news in real time

AI news from homegrown startups like JustBaat & Personate powering the movement.

⚠️ Disclaimer

Information is based on current deployments and industry statements. The field is rapidly evolving—technology, policy, and ethical norms are changing quickly.