RTL faces backlash for AI-recycled court show episodes

German broadcaster RTL is facing criticism for using artificial intelligence to alter old episodes of the court show "Ulrich Wetzel – Das Strafgericht," creating new storylines and verdicts without labeling them as AI-generated. Influencer Alex Riechelmann condemned the practice, noting that characters, plots, and judgments are redeveloped, with relationships and genders changed. He criticized RTL for not displaying mandatory EU AI labels, calling the episodes "brazenly sold as new." RTL tested the AI on five episodes and plans to expand it, citing "format-appropriate transparency." Swiss broadcasters SRF and CH Media stated they would not recreate aired shows with AI, preferring to use it only for restoration or satire.