NUJP urges newsrooms to discuss job security, develop policies on AI before use

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.

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