A well-known Israeli TV journalist has defied the limitations of his progressive neurodegenerative disease with the help of artificial intelligence, enabling him to return to work.
Why it Matters
Moshe Nussbaum, 71, a longtime reporter for Israel’s Channel 12 news, was diagnosed two years ago with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The condition gradually stripped him of the ability to speak clearly and, at times, affected his ability to move and function independently.
Using AI software that has been trained on Nussbaum’s voice, gathered from thousands of hours of his broadcasts over the years, Nussbaum will now be able to write and report his stories, which will be read aloud by the AI. Experts hope the breakthrough could lead to others with the condition being helped to communicate through AI technology.
CHANNEL 12 NEWS via AP
What to Know
In a studio setting, his lips will be “technologically adjusted” to align with the words the AI generates.
Unlike traditional text-to-speech programs, which often sound robotic and emotionless, this new technology mimics Nussbaum’s voice accurately, capturing his distinct tone, pacing, and inflections.
A preview released by Channel 12 showed Nussbaum’s original garbled speech followed by a seamless transition to his new AI-generated voice.
An Israeli Journalist with ALS returns to the screen thanks to AI.
My colleague and dear friend Moshe Nussbaum was diagnosed with ALS two years ago. For Nussi (as he’s called), the disorder affects speech and makes it impossible for him to broadcast on screen.
Now, with the… pic.twitter.com/bJPXk7UaRr
— Elad Simchayoff (@Elad_Si) January 7, 2025
Is the Technology Safe?
But while AI-powered voice cloning holds significant promise for people with speech disorders, it also raises concerns about misuse.
Experts have warned about the potential for deepfake technology to be exploited for disinformation campaigns and scams.
Recently, AI-generated voice clips have been used in phone scams and political mischief, such as a fake robocall mimicking President Joe Biden.
Who Is Moshe Nussbaum?
For over 40 years, Nussbaum had been a fixture of Israeli television, covering conflicts, the aftermath of suicide bombings, and investigating high-profile scandals.
His decision to step back from covering the war in Gaza in October 2023 marked the first time in his career he had missed reporting from the front lines.
Nussbaum launched a segment interviewing wounded Israeli soldiers from hospitals, even though his voice had become slow and garbled.
Over time, his ability to be understood worsened, and these interviews became less frequent. Then the AI breakthrough arrived.
What People Are Saying
Moshe Nussbaum said: “It took me a few moments to absorb it and understand that it is me speaking now. Slowly, slowly, I’m understanding the incredible meaning of this device for everyone with disabilities, including me.” He added: “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 concluded: “Channel 12 and my managers allowing me to reinvent myself anew is one of the most important medicines I can get in my fight with this disease.”
What Happens Now
Nussbaum’s new AI-enabled persona has raised awareness in Israel about how people with progressive disabilities can continue contributing meaningfully to society.
This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press
