JERUSALEM – A well-known Israeli journalist, Moshe Nussbaum, is making a remarkable return to broadcasting despite facing the challenges of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. At 71 years old, Nussbaum’s ability to communicate clearly was threatened by the disease. However, advancements in artificial intelligence are paving the way for his comeback.
Nussbaum, who has been a prominent figure on Channel 12 News for over 40 years, had reported from various critical events, including war zones and political scandals. After being diagnosed with ALS two years ago, he promised his viewers that he would continue his work as long as he was able. Unfortunately, the effects of the disease made it increasingly hard for him to do so.
During the recent conflict following Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, Nussbaum found himself unable to report from the field for the first time in his career. He did attempt to conduct interviews with injured soldiers in hospitals, but as his speech became more difficult, those sessions became scarce.
In an unexpected announcement, Channel 12 revealed that Nussbaum would soon return as a commentator, with a little help from AI technology that can replicate his distinct gravelly voice. "It took me a few moments to absorb it and to understand that it is me speaking now," Nussbaum shared in a message. He highlighted the significance of this technology for anyone living with disabilities.
Using an AI program trained on recordings of his voice, Nussbaum can write his stories and use the technology to speak them, making him sound like himself once again. While traditional text-to-speech systems often sound robotic, this AI can capture his natural speech patterns and emotions.
Although thrilled by this new opportunity, Nussbaum expressed concerns about the potential misuse of AI technology, warning that it could easily contribute to the spread of misinformation. For now, he will not be able to report live from the field, which he loves most, but will instead focus on commentary.
Channel 12 shared a preview of Nussbaum’s new AI-enhanced presentations, showing both his original voice and the AI version. In the video, the AI version sounds like the old Nussbaum—energetic and expressive. "Honestly, this is my first time sitting here in the studio after more than a year. It feels a bit strange, and mostly, it tugs my heart," he remarked.
As the discussion around AI voice cloning grows, there have been concerns about its potential risks, including scams and spreading false information. Yet, as Nussbaum noted, the same technology offers incredible possibilities for those who have lost their speaking ability. He believes that his experience might raise awareness in Israel about how people with progressive disabilities can still contribute meaningfully to society.
Nussbaum views his new AI persona as a "magic trick" that allows him to return to the role he loves. He stated, "The fact that Channel 12 and my news managers are allowing me to reinvent myself anew is one of the most important medicines I can get in my fight with this disease." His story reflects not just resilience but also the importance of adapting to new technologies in an ever-changing world.
