Australian radio station caught using an AI DJ

CADA shocked listeners after it was revealed that DJ Thy, who hosted a popular show for months, was entirely AI-generated instead of being a real person.
AI DJs are replacing human hosts as stations like CADA and Disrupt Radio embrace technology, reshaping Australia’s radio landscape instead of sticking to traditional formats.

Australian radio station CADA has caused a stir after it was revealed that DJ Thy, who had hosted a daily show for several months, was actually AI-generated.

Developed using ElevenLabs technology, Thy aired every weekday from 11am to 3pm, spinning popular tracks without listeners ever knowing they were hearing a machine instead of a real person.

Despite amassing over 72,000 listeners in March, the station never disclosed Thy’s true nature, which only came to light when a journalist, puzzled by the lack of personal information, investigated further.

Instead of being a complete novelty, AI DJs are becoming increasingly common across Australia. Melbourne’s Disrupt Radio has openly used AI DJ Debbie Disrupt, while in the US, a Portland radio station introduced AI Ashley, modelled after human host Ashley Elzinga.

CADA’s AI, based on a real ARN Media employee, suggests a growing trend where radio stations prefer digital clones instead of traditional hosts.

The show’s description implied that Thy could predict the next big musical hits, hinting that AI might be shaping, instead of simply following, public musical tastes. The programme promised that listeners would be among the first to hear rising stars, enabling them to impress their friends with early discoveries.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the AI-music world, electro-pop artist Imogen Heap has partnered with AI start-up Jen.

Rather than licensing specific songs, artists working with Jen allow fans to tap into the ‘vibe’ of their music for new creations, effectively becoming part of a software product instead of just remaining musicians.

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