Journalist Anjana Om Kashyap and an AI-generated clone of herself hosted a televised debate on the Aaj Tak show "Black & White" [1].
The episode marks a significant integration of synthetic media into Indian broadcast journalism. By utilizing a digital twin to co-host a political program, the network is testing the viability of AI to maintain presence and engagement in high-profile news cycles.
The episode, titled "Dimagi Naxal," aired Monday at nine PM IST [1]. It examined claims that intellectuals, NGOs, and civil-society groups provided ideological support to Naxalites during the UPA government tenure from 2004 to 2014 [1].
The discussion followed a speech delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 August 2023 [2]. During his Red Fort address, Modi said, "The nation is free from armed Naxal, but now we must recognise and isolate the intellectual Naxal" [2].
Kashyap said she was excited to explore the new format and discuss the issue of "dimagi Naxal" with viewers [2]. The network's approach combines traditional reporting with emerging technology to address a sensitive political topic.
An Aaj Tak spokesperson said the network is pioneering AI in journalism with the use of the digital twin for the program [1].
The debate focused on the distinction between armed insurgency and the ideological framework that may support it. The program specifically questioned whether certain human-rights groups provided a shield for Naxalite activities during the previous administration [1].
“"We are pioneering AI in journalism with Anjana Om Kashyap's digital twin hosting 'Black & White'."”
The deployment of an AI clone in a primetime political debate signals a shift toward 'synthetic journalism' in India. While the technology serves as a novelty, its application to a polarized topic—the identification of 'intellectual Naxals'—demonstrates how AI can be used to amplify specific political narratives by blending human authority with digital efficiency.
