Philippine media giant GMA Network has introduced the nation's first artificial intelligence (AI)-generated sportscasters.
Developed through a collaborative effort between GMA Integrated News, GMA New Media Inc., and GMA Synergy, this digital venture is slated to debut on September 24, coinciding with the commencement of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99.
Philippines' First AI News Reporters
Maia and Marco, the latest members of GMA's AI lineup, are poised to provide the most recent updates on NCAA Season 99 and cover local and international sports events featuring Filipino athletes.
Their reach will extend across multiple social media platforms overseen by GMA Integrated News, GMA Sports, and GMA Synergy. Oliver Victor Amoroso, Senior Vice President and Head of Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy, commended this stride into AI-driven reporting.
He highlighted how this move aligns with GMA's mission of broader public service. Amoroso said: "GMAIN's 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."
Maia and Marco owe their existence to the application of various AI technologies, including Image Generation, Text-to-Speech AI Voice Synthesis/Generation, and Deep Learning Face Animation Technology.
However, the online community's response was not as enthusiastic. The announcement garnered many sad and angry reactions, reflecting some apprehension towards the introduction of AI-generated sportscasters.
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Potential Loss of Human Touch in Sports
Several users expressed concerns over the potential loss of the human touch in sports reporting. They emphasized human sportscasters' unique ability to convey a game's emotional nuances, something that AI may struggle to replicate.
Critics also questioned the broader implications of AI encroaching on traditionally human-driven fields, urging a careful examination of credibility, authenticity, and journalistic integrity.
"Nothing to be happy about here. It's actually alarming, scary, and sad. This isn't even worth praising and I stand my ground. Technology should always be "just" an assistance to humans, not replacement to humans," one user wrote in a GMA Network's Facebook post.
Another user noted: "This is unsettling. There are countless skilled humans capable of performing brilliantly in those tasks. Also, sports are heavily driven by passion, excitement, and human drama. An AI might lack the ability to convey the emotional highs and lows of a game, reducing viewer engagement."
"Man, Regrettably, it's disheartening to consider that we're opting for professional broadcasters instead of utilizing AI. I have thoughts about AI taking the forefront in certain situations, potentially sidelining individuals who possess genuine passion for the task at hand. Not a good idea, GMA Network," another user added.
While the introduction of AI sportscasters marks a notable advancement in technology, it has sparked a broader conversation about the role of AI in media and its potential impact on human professionals in the industry.
