Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 24) — The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) calls for newsrooms to address job security concerns for media workers, as well as discuss and develop policies amid the “inevitable” use of artificial intelligence (AI).
In a statement on Sunday, the NUJP pointed out that GMA Network’s decision to introduce AI-generated sportscasters, especially in light of stagnant pay, layoffs, and departures from the industry, “does little to allay concerns of job security in media.”
\”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,\” the NUJP said. \”We urge colleagues to start these conversations in their workplaces if they aren’t happening already and ensure that issues on ethics and accountability are threshed out before policies are rolled out.
“In the meantime, we can do what AI still cannot: Listen to the communities we serve, learn from them, and amplify their stories,” it added.
According to GMA Network, using AI technology shows its \”commitment to innovation in journalism\” and aligns with its goal to \”promote inclusivity\” in reporting.
“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,” the NUJP stressed.
Over the weekend, the mainstream media giant introduced its AI sportscasters as part of the digital initiative for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The announcement drew the ire of netizens, who criticized the use of AI technology in media.
“You can save money from this. However, this can never replace the passion and dedication “human” reporters can give to journalism,” one comment read.
“Pinagdedebatehan pa natin if pwede bang “news source” ang mga vloggers and influencers ngayong nasa digital age na, tapos sinama pa natin itong napa-komplikadong issue ng AI sa news,” another netizen said.
[Translation: We are still debating whether vloggers and influencers can be \”news sources\” now that we are in the digital age, and we have included this very complicated issue of AI in the news.]
Sports commentator and former GMA reporter Mark Zambrano said he has nothing against technology, \”but for someone who devoted a lifetime to developing my craft as a sports commentator and host, this alarms me.\”
Meanwhile, the network argued that its AI sportscasters will enhance its NCAA coverage while maintaining the integrity of GMA Integrated News’ reporting.
“The special participation of our AI Sportscasters are just part of the exciting plans we have for this season. Maia and Marco were introduced to complement, not replace, the human aspect of our coverage,” GMA Network Senior Vice President and Head of Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso said.
