GMA Integrated News, GMA Regional TV and Synergy brought together the network’s multimedia journalists for a discourse on the importance and impact of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) during the GMA Masterclass Series: In the Age of AI on September 30 at Studio 5, GMA Network Center.
Among the participants of the special session were anchors, correspondents, video journalists, program managers, station managers and writers from GMA Integrated News (GMAIN), GMA Regional TV and Synergy, and Super Radyo.
Providing insightful discussion on the power of AI was the panel composed of Mav Gonzales, News Producer of GMA Integrated News; Shafizan Johari, Multiplatform News Innovation Lead Editor of Astro Awani; Atty. Jesus Disini, Jr., Associate Professor of University of the Philippines College of Law; Dr. Dominic Vincent Ligot; CEO and CTO of CirroLytix Research Services; and Gabrielle Cayetano, Segment Production Specialist of GMAIN Digital Division.
Also present to give their thoughts on AI were Aileen Perez, Assistant Vice President and Deputy Head for GMA Integrated News Social Media; Rufino Ramil Escarda, Vice President and Head of Creatives of GMA News Media Inc.; and Theodore Ortiz, Senior Social Media Producer of GMA Integrated News.
As one of the country’s broadcast journalists, Gonzales cited how a media organization in Singapore tapped A.I. as a helpful tool in the work of journalists. “The first reason kung bakit nila ginagamit ito ay to reduce effort on mundane and repetitive tasks. If you make the work lighter for them, then they will be able to produce better stories,” she said.
During his message, GMA Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso asserted that the company’s best asset remains to be the employees even with the existence and integration of A.I.
Amoroso also highlighted the committee that was formed to further study A.I. as well as the guidelines to be followed by Kapuso journalists with the use of the technology, “We’ve also formed a sub-committee in GMA Integrated News to take an active role in looking into A.I. in news operations to ensure that, should it be used, the technology will not compromise our non-negotiable as a news organization.”
The special session also featured the country’s first-ever A.I.-generated sportscasters Maia and Marco, which was first introduced during the opening of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99.
“Lest we forget, GMA has never been afraid to take risks, to take bold, pioneering steps. The fact is, A.I. is here. The responsibility of handling it lies with us. I am glad we have chosen to face it with courage,” Amoroso added.
The session was hosted by veteran broadcast journalist Pia Arcangel together with GMA Sparkle artist, host, and sportscaster Martin Javier. Queendom’s Hannah Prescillas showcased her vocal prowess through entertaining performances.