THE push for Artificial Intelligence is, by no means, an inevitable strategy.
The post-pandemic scenario has provided tools for newsrooms to adapt and survive with the use of AI. The systematic and codified nature of generating ideas to texts and images is the trend that many newsmen—correspondents and reporters alike – seem to grapple with uncertainty. A Reuters Institute study showed that, while more than half of British journalists have used its applications, they felt the restraint in its results.
But for Manila Standard publisher and veteran journalist Rolando G. Estabillo, AI is now an inescapable zone.
“Don’t ever deny its benefits to our profession,” he said, adding that journalism has seen its growth in the presence of technology through its years of advancements, including AI.
Sir Rollie, or RGE as he is fondly called in the newsroom, has seen technology in the face, with his decades of experience as a newsman and editor.
He started out with BusinessDay, then the country’s innovative daily in the 60s. While serving as a writer-researcher, he was acing up his stories with his old and trusty typewriter. Every single story was done manually, bearing the noise of its heavy keys and clicks. Computers only came in the 1970s.
“Nagsimula lang ang computerization, yung word processor sa editorial…mga late 70s. Naiingit nga kami. Pero sinabi namin, di nga naman namin alam kung paano gamitin yan,” he recalled, adding that he only had to respond to the changes under management’s orders.
Despite his advanced age, sir Rollie believed that technology is the driving force for many industries, media included. He has since looked into the potential brought by the elements present in various tools. It is the only way to go for most journalists, he stresses, should they long to thrive in today’s times.
“I know the trend, although I am not techie. I know what must be adopted, and the future looks toward the new technology. It is an evolving wall for newspapers and even the media. Otherwise, you’d be left behind,” he explained.
Despite the push, sir Rollie keeps his faith in the old practices of journalism. The ethical standard set by reporters – fairness, accuracy, and credibility – remain an important foundation amid the expansion of AI. The human touch is still a must as the business needs its own practice of integrity.
“You simply have to adapt with the new ways, how the world evolves. But at the same time, you must remember the old ethical values. That’s constant – it never changes,” he said, adding that journalists ought to be guided on the best of these two worlds.
He also expressed hope for the future of AI in the operations of Manila Standard, noting how it could infuse revenues for the group in lieu of print’s waning influence.
“The opportunity is already there. I am encouraging everyone to put emphasis on the online (space). While the bulk of our income still comes from print editions, it’s not the growth area anymore,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to a better adaptation by our group to further enhance our capability to be a good storyteller. I’m hopeful that, by that time, our focus will be towards that,” he said with optimism, placing his reminder on the men and women of Manila Standard to work with credibility in sustaining today’s challenges of the news media.
