By Gabriela Baron
Journalism groups aired their concern over GMA’s announcement of using artificial intelligence (AI)-generated sportscasters.
In a statement, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said the decision to include AI in broadcasting “does little to allay concerns of job security in media.”
“There is no doubt that media workers need reskilling to adapt to changes in the industry and we hope that GMA Integrated News has plans for this alongside their announcement of their AI news presenters,” NUJP said.
“This development is a prompt for newsroom managers and their staff to discuss and develop policies on AI, which we hope will be towards helping media workers instead of replacing them,” it added.
‘Does very little to serve the people’
In a separate statement, University of the Philippines (UP) broadcasting Association stressed the use of AI-generated sportscasters “does very little to serve the people as it only sets an alarming precedent that would profoundly impact the future of broadcasting.”
“While it is inevitable to adapt these kinds of emerging technologies in the practice of broadcasting, we should not forget that these technologies are mere tools to assist us and improve our work. They should not, in any way, replace and displace the people who have spent years in the industry and practice of broadcasting,” UP Broadcasting Association said.
“Before we welcome innovation and technological advancements, we must first address the realities faced by media workers – contractualization, unfair labor practices, low compensation and lack of benefits,” it added.
The group also called on GMA to “focus their efforts and resources” on hiring and properly compensating talented journalists and media workers.
“They should provide more opportunities to people who aspire to be part of the media industry and are working hard to do so.”
On Sept. 23, GMA Network launched their AI-generated sportscasters in time for the opening of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. -ag
