JERUSALEM — A prominent Israeli journalist has defied the odds after losing his ability to speak clearly due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Moshe Nussbaum, affectionately referred to as “Nussi” by viewers for decades, is making a remarkable return to journalism with the assistance of artificial intelligence technology that replicates his distinctive voice.
Nussbaum, now 71 years old, received his ALS diagnosis two years ago, a condition that progressively damages the nerve cells responsible for muscle control. Initially, he made a commitment to continue working on Israel’s Channel 12 News for as long as his physical condition permitted. However, as time progressed, he found this increasingly challenging.
This situation marked a painful shift for Nussbaum, a reporter known for his no-nonsense approach and extensive field experience of over 40 years. He has reported on pivotal events throughout Israel’s history, from the scenes of suicide bombings and the frontlines of conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon to high-profile political scandals and court proceedings.
Following Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, which ignited the current war in Gaza, Nussbaum faced an unprecedented situation: he could not report from the ground—an unusual circumstance in his storied career. He shared during a recent interview with colleagues that sitting out this conflict was a significant emotional blow.
Despite the escalating difficulty he encountered in both movement and speech, Nussbaum initiated a segment that involved interviewing injured soldiers in Israeli hospitals. Although his speech became increasingly slow and labored, he persevered with these interviews during the initial weeks of the conflict until the challenges made it almost impossible for him to continue.
In an unexpected turn of events, Channel 12 announced that Nussbaum will be returning to the air soon as a commentator, utilizing AI technology to assist him. Nussbaum expressed in a text message that it was surreal for him to hear himself speak again, gradually understanding the profound implications of this innovation for individuals with disabilities like himself.
His process will involve reporting stories, which he will then transcribe with a specialized AI program capable of mimicking Nussbaum’s original voice. He will be filmed presenting reports, with the digital technology also adjusting mouth movements to create a synchronized visual.
While speech-generating technologies have long been available for those with speech disorders, traditional systems often produce mechanical outputs lacking emotional depth. In contrast, the advancing capabilities of AI utilize significant amounts of a person’s recorded voice to replicate their natural inflections and tones, allowing for a more genuine representation of their communication style.
While Nussbaum is excited about the benefits this technology could offer, he also voices concerns about its potential misuse by malicious actors seeking to disseminate misinformation. Currently, the technology is not ready for live broadcasts, limiting Nussbaum to commentary and analysis, particularly in areas related to crime and national security—fields in which he has extensive knowledge.
In a preview released by Channel 12, snippets showcased his current speech difficulties, followed by the AI-enhanced version of his voice, which sounded extraordinarily seamless and familiar. Nussbaum’s engaging presentation style, complete with his characteristic animated expressions, was evident in the footage.
AI-driven voice cloning has seen rapid advancement, prompting warnings from experts regarding its risks, including facilitation of fraudulent activities, manipulated political campaigns, and the exploitation of individuals’ likenesses without consent. Recent incidents have demonstrated these dangers, with examples ranging from deepfake robocalls to legal cases involving the creation of misleading audio clips.
Conversely, this technology holds significant promise for effectively aiding individuals who have experienced loss of normal speech. Similar AI applications have empowered individuals, including a U.S. congresswoman and a young woman who lost her voice due to medical conditions, to communicate in meaningful ways.
Nussbaum previously expressed fear that ALS would end his journalism career, reminding his superiors to avoid extending pity, indicating he could accept their decision if they believed his time was over. He refers to his new AI-assisted role as a “magic trick” that allows him to embrace a new phase in his career, fostering greater understanding and awareness in Israel regarding the capabilities of individuals with progressive disabilities to contribute professionally.
He acknowledges the crucial support of Channel 12 as influential in his personal fight against the limitations of ALS, emphasizing that this opportunity represents more than just a job—the ability to reintegrate into the workforce is a vital form of therapy in his struggle against this disease.
