One of the Philippines’ leading media networks, GMA Network assures the public that their newly-launched AI-generated sportscasters will not be replacing human reporters.
Irreplaceable
The network’s first AI sportscasters, Maia and Marco, were launched during the NCAA Season 99: New Heroes of the Game Opening Ceremony, as part of the network’s digital initiatives. GMA noted that they are generated by artificial intelligence using Image Generation, Text-to-Speech AI Voice Synthesis/Generation, and Deep Learning Face Animation Technology. Despite deploying AI sportscasters, the network clarified that their seasoned broadcasters are irreplaceable.
"Maia and Marco are AI presenters, they are not journalists, they can never replace our seasoned broadcasters and colleagues who are the lifeblood of our organisation. We are now living in the age of AI and other major news organisations worldwide are already using this as a tool to improve their operations, GMA Network senior vice and head of integrated news, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso said.
Concerns raised
Many individuals and groups raised their concerns about the use of AI sportscasters, including the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines. “While AI is inevitable, already being used, and can be a tool to make newsrooms more efficient, this decision — done in the context of stagnant pay as well as layoffs and departures from the industry — does little to allay concerns of job security in media,” their statement said.
The group urges stakeholders to discuss and develop policies on the use of AI and hopes it will be towards helping media workers instead of replacing them.
