Virtual MC - Rival or Partner?

Virtual presenters have appeared on numerous programs around the world in just the last few years, offering fresh visuals, diverse languages, and tireless work ethic. Live presenters, on the other hand, worry about losing their jobs and roles in journalism and media. So, we need to consider the current reality: are virtual and live presenters rivals or partners?

Image of the world's first virtual female MC. Photo: Internet

Current and future trends in virtual MCs.

A virtual MC is a presenter created by artificial intelligence, which can be a 3D image, an animated avatar, or a simulation of a real person. Since 2018, when artificial intelligence (AI) technology was not as widely known as it is now, China was a pioneer in introducing virtual MCs. The state-run Xinhua News Agency claimed that virtual MCs work 24 hours a day on the agency's media channels, significantly reducing manpower costs.

Last year, China introduced another virtual MC named Ren Xiaorong. The developers of Ren Xiaorong stated that this virtual MC learned skills from thousands of real-life MCs. The virtual MC can answer any question from the audience.

In recent years, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and other countries have also launched more modern virtual MCs with improved appearances and voices, and increasingly natural expressions. Behind these professional virtual MCs are AI, deep learning, text-to-speech synthesis, CGI, and other cutting-edge technologies that dominate the market.

One of the outstanding advantages of a virtual MC is the ability to work continuously 24/7 without being affected by emotions, health, or time pressure, avoiding subjective errors and maintaining consistent performance. In addition, virtual MCs can be easily customized to meet specific requirements regarding language, appearance, and hosting style.

Undeniably, with the current pace of development, virtual MCs will continue to improve technologically, enhance their expressiveness, and will be widely used all over the world in the future.

A true MC is irreplaceable and invaluable.

Despite the advancements in AI technology, the value of a real MC in journalism and television remains irreplaceable. With their ability to adapt and their genuine emotions, real MCs not only convey information but also inspire and create an emotional connection with the audience.

In live interactive programs, the role of the host becomes even more important, as they must handle unexpected situations, guide the emotional flow, and maintain the program's atmosphere naturally and convincingly.

Sharing his perspective on this issue, Nguyen Tien Anh, editor and news presenter at Vietnam Television, commented: AI presenters can hardly completely replace humans, because personal touch and connection with the audience remain core elements.

Indeed, being an MC is a creative job, requiring subtlety and artistry no different from an artist on their "stage." They are not simply presenters but also storytellers, companions to the audience in every moment.

Meanwhile, virtual MCs, despite being able to mimic appearance and voice, remain formulaic, lacking the emotional depth and authenticity that audiences expect.

Journalism and television are fields based on authenticity and trustworthiness, qualities that no technology, however advanced, can fully replace, especially in the role of human beings.

Rival or partner?

The rise of virtual presenters is raising a major question for the journalism and television industry: Are virtual presenters competitors or partners supporting live presenters in the modern media environment? The answer lies in how each media organization appropriately and effectively utilizes and leverages the technology.

If used appropriately, virtual presenters can become a powerful support tool. In simple news broadcasts, short segments, or content requiring quick updates such as market news or weather forecasts, virtual presenters can automatically read the news and even assist with multilingual translation to reach a wider audience.

Furthermore, the combination of real and virtual presenters in new formats such as interactive news broadcasts, virtual reality television, or digital platforms also opens up more creative and engaging media experiences.

However, the core issue remains that people should master the tools, not let the tools control the content. Each media and television organization needs its own strategy, clearly defining the appropriate spaces for applying virtual presenters and the areas where the identity and genuine emotions of human presenters should be preserved.

According to Mr. Nguyen Hoang Giang, Deputy Director of the Digital Content and Communication Center of the Vietnam News Agency, this distinction is clear: Virtual MCs can be used in news programs and segments that don't require investment, are suitable for tech-savvy tastes, target young people, or types of content using voice recordings, podcasts, and reviews. However, real MCs should be used in programs and news broadcasts with political content, serious news, and news related to branding and identity.

It's clear that technology isn't meant to replace humans, but to serve them, especially in creative fields like journalism. Virtual presenters can be partners, not rivals, if used correctly.

The future of presenters in journalism remains a synergy between artificial intelligence and human intelligence, with humans still playing the role of "chief commander".

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/xa-hoi/202506/mc-ao-doi-thu-hay-cong-su-63e0d18/