GMA's launch of AI Sportscasters draws flak online

GMA Integrated News introduced its AI sportscasters at the opening of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99 on Sunday, September 24, to a not-so welcoming public.

Named Maia and Marco, the two sportscasters were generated by artificial intelligence using image generation, text-to-speech voice synthesis/generation, and deep learning face animation technology.

«The introduction of the first AI sportscasters by GMA Integrated News is a groundbreaking initiative that significantly impacts our objective of 'Mas malaking misyon, mas malawak na paglilingkod sa bayan.' It aligns with our mission to serve all communities within the nation and promote inclusivity in our reporting,» Senior Vice President and Head of Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor Amoroso said in a statement.

"[Our] adoption of AI technology also demonstrates our commitment to innovation in journalism. We embrace emerging technologies to stay at the forefront of the media industry by providing our audience with a modern and engaging sports news experience. Through this initiative, we continue to fulfill our commitment to providing valuable information and enriching the lives of Filipinos worldwide," Amoroso added.

However, the move sparked criticisms on social media.

Many expressed concern about the technology, particularly with AI's ability to engage with viewers and its potential to replace people in the workforce.

DJ, actor and host KC Montero commented on X (formerly Twitter), «Welp… there goes my job.»

User @macturijatweets said, «How tone-deaf and insensitive can you guys be to premiere AI sportscasters on NCAA, a college league with literally thousands of masscom students hoping to get jobs soon and not be replaced