With the widespread popularity of generative artificial intelligence (AIGC), AI virtual anchors have been applied in the fields of news and culture. What are the differences between AI anchors and real anchors? Based on this issue, this study conducted a 2×2 experimental research based on audience perception to explore the impact of anchor types (AI virtual anchors/real anchors) and news program types (financial news/livelihood news) on audience perception (credibility, popularity, news immersion). Research has found that the type of anchor only affects the credibility of the dependent variable, with real anchors having higher credibility than AI anchors, and no significant differences in other aspects. In terms of news program types, news types have a significant impact on liking and news immersion, with no significant difference in credibility: participants have a significantly higher liking for financial news than for livelihood news, but their immersion in livelihood news is significantly higher than for financial news.