JERUSALEM (AP) Renowned Israeli journalist Moshe Nussbaum, known affectionately as "Nussi," faced a significant professional setback after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) two years ago. This progressive neurodegenerative disease affects the nerve cells controlling muscle movements, leading to difficulties in speaking and mobility. At 71, Nussbaum, who has been a fixture on Israel's Channel 12 News for over 40 years, feared that his illustrious career might be over as he struggled to communicate clearly.
Throughout his career, Nussbaum has covered critical events in Israeli history, from terrorist attacks to wars in Gaza and Lebanon, and has tackled major political scandals. However, the situation changed drastically after Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023, marking a turning point as it was the first war he was unable to report from the field. In a heartfelt moment during a recent interview, Nussbaum expressed his disappointment about missing out on this key event in his career.
Despite his challenges, Nussbaum attempted to stay engaged with his reporting by conducting interviews with injured soldiers in Israeli hospitals, albeit with increasing difficulty as his speech became less intelligible. His ability to communicate dwindled, leading to fewer interviews over time. However, a recent announcement from Channel 12 has brought a new glimmer of hope: Nussbaum will return to the air as a commentator, aided by advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
The AI program developed for Nussbaum is capable of recreating his distinct gravelly voice, which has resonated with generations of viewers. Through this innovative technology, he will be able to present his stories, leveraging historical recordings of his voice amassed from his prolific career in broadcast journalism. In a text message to AP, Nussbaum expressed his amazement at this technological advancement, acknowledging its profound potential for those with disabilities, including himself.
As part of the process, Nussbaum will record his reports, which the AI program will convert into speech that closely mimics his original voice, complete with intonation and emotional depth. While the current iteration of the technology does not support live broadcasts, it will allow Nussbaum to provide commentary and analysis, particularly focusing on crime and national security, areas in which he has vast experience.
Channel 12 recently released a preview showcasing the stark difference between Nussbaum's natural speech, which has become garbled, and the new AI-enhanced version that sounds vibrant and articulate. In the preview, AI Nussbaum shares his sentiments about being back in the studio, highlighting the emotional weight of this moment after more than a year of absence.
While the potential misuse of AI voice cloning technology raises concerns, including the spread of misinformation, there are also positive implications. Other notable figures, including a U.S. congresswoman who relies on AI tools for communication due to health complications, have effectively utilized similar programs to regain their voice. Nussbaum himself sees the opportunities that AI presents for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing its value in helping them maintain their professional lives.
As the path of his career progresses with this new AI technology, Nussbaum remains vigilant about its potential downsides, particularly its capacity for generating fake audio. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic about the positive impact it could have in raising awareness about the capabilities of individuals with progressive disabilities, fostering discussions about support and inclusivity in the workplace.
In his conversations with Channel 12, Nussbaum has asserted his autonomy in this transition, stating his desire for honest dialogue regarding his career's future. He describes his AI-driven rebirth as a "magic trick," underscoring the importance of this opportunity in his ongoing battle with ALS. Ultimately, Nussbaum's journey highlights not just personal resilience but also the broader possibilities brought forth by technological innovation for individuals facing similar challenges.
