By Maiya Crews<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Artificial intelligence is being used to conduct research, write stories and even generate photos. However, some creative industries are pushing back against this technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One key issue in the months-long strike of the Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA, unions based in Hollywood representing writers and actors, is the entertainment industry\u2019s desire to use more artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This has become a particular concern in newsrooms, and the annual convention of the National Association of Black Journalists in Birmingham addressed the issue with experts from journalism, tech and the White House.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know that all technology has its positive elements and actually helps some of our members do their work,\u201d said Mary Cavallaro, SAG-AFTRA\u2019s chief broadcast officer. SAG-AFTRA also represents broadcast newscasters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut we are very concerned about AI in terms of the way that it could impact our members’ work, how they do their work but also in terms of your likeness and your sound in terms of your image,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some AI programs can create lifelike video images and recordings of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Associated Press Executive Editor Julie Pace admits AI is now ubiquitous and she understands why newsrooms would want to use it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have to, as newsroom leaders, make sure that we\u2019re not saying that cost is the only factor,\u201d said Pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course it would be cheaper to replace all of your staff with technology, of course it would be cheaper,\u201d she said. \u201cThat\u2019s not the right thing to do because it doesn\u2019t represent the values of our industry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The AI revolution is already taking place outside the United States. A network in India is using an AI anchor to deliver the news. That sends chills down the spines of broadcasters and prompts the obvious question, Could it happen here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s hard to predict,\u201d Pace said. \u201cI would say that it\u2019s another opportunity to show what is the value of having the human anchor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou could have an AI anchor, you could have an AI newsroom but what does the human anchor bring?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SAG-AFTRA\u2019s Cavallaro believes the human anchor brings what the artificial anchor cannot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHumans understand human emotions, what our fears are, what our concerns are, what is important to us,\u201d Cavallaro said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe reason why the work of journalists is so important is because you make that connection. And I don\u2019t think you can take that human effort and have it manipulated by a machine to do the job the way it\u2019s supposed to be done.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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