92 News has launched Pakistan’s first artificial intelligence-powered news anchor capable of delivering bulletins in Urdu, marking a significant moment in the country’s media landscape. The channel made the announcement through its official Instagram account, presenting the development as a transformative move that could redefine how news is presented on television.
Described by the network as a bold step into the future of journalism, the AI anchor is designed to deliver both real-time updates and pre-scripted segments, seamlessly blending automation with news production. The channel’s social media post declared the rollout of the virtual presenter as a pioneering achievement in the country’s broadcast history.
This innovation positions 92 News among a limited number of regional broadcasters in Asia exploring the use of artificial intelligence in journalism. AI-generated presenters have already been introduced in countries such as China, India, and Kuwait, where they are primarily used for routine bulletins and can operate continuously without the need for human intervention. These anchors are praised for their cost efficiency and ability to deliver consistent output, particularly in time-sensitive environments.
In Pakistan, the introduction of an AI news anchor has sparked debate among media professionals, journalists, and the public. While many have acknowledged the technological milestone and appreciated the broadcaster’s initiative to modernize, others have raised questions about the impact on employment in an industry already experiencing challenges. Concerns have been voiced about the potential for AI to displace human journalists rather than complement their work, particularly in a market where newsrooms face financial constraints and staffing reductions.
Critics of AI journalism emphasize the current limitations of artificial intelligence in delivering news with human context, empathy, and editorial discernment. They argue that while machines may be able to read scripts flawlessly, they lack the nuanced understanding of complex stories, audience sensitivity, and real-world consequences that experienced human journalists bring to their reporting. Ethical decision-making and contextual judgment remain core areas where AI technology continues to fall short, especially in fast-changing political or crisis situations.
Despite these concerns, the decision by 92 News reflects a growing interest in AI applications across different sectors of Pakistani media. The move has opened up a conversation about the future role of artificial intelligence in broadcast journalism, from content creation to news delivery. While the AI anchor currently performs in Urdu, the success or limitations of this initiative could determine how widely such technology is adopted across other news organizations in the country.
92 News has effectively positioned itself as a technological frontrunner by integrating artificial intelligence into its broadcasting model. This initiative could serve as a testing ground for further applications of AI in local journalism, content automation, and real-time information dissemination. Whether it becomes a standard practice or remains a symbolic gesture of innovation, the channel’s move has already left an imprint on the evolving media and technology landscape in Pakistan.
