[UPDATE] Philippine Sportscasters Criticize NCAA Decision To Use AI Presenters for Sports Broadcast

Philippine sportscasters are criticizing the decision made by the local National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) to use artificial intelligence-generated presenters to host sports broadcasts.

The situation comes after the use of AI-generated sportscasters occurred during the broadcast of the NCAA's Season 98. While the development was seen as a technological advancement, some people have expressed their opposition and warned of potential consequences.

Philippines Unveil First AI-Generated Sportscaster

The official broadcaster of the NCAA, GMA Network, showcased on Sunday "AI presenters" Maia and Marco after the league's 98th basketball tournament kicked off at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The two artificial intelligence-generated sportscasters debuted during the halftime of the game between the Letran Knights and the JRU Heavy Bombers. Following the development, veteran sports broadcaster and journalist Anthony Suntay was among those in the local sportscasting community who expressed their disagreement with the announcement.

He said that he was not in favor of the situation, adding that there is already an abundance of talented sportscasters in the country, questioning the need to use artificial intelligence. Suntay added that AI-generated presenters will not be able to replicate humans' love and passion for the game, as per Philstar Global.

Additionally, another veteran sportscaster, Noli Eala, who is the former Philippines Sports Commission chairman, said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he would still prefer to have "personal and intimate" reports by human sportscasters.

Paolo Barcelon, who calls esports tournaments, said that he was alarmed by the decision of GMA to use artificial intelligence-generated presenters. He argued that there will be a lot of limitations for these sportscasters and noted that emotions are a big part of sports, which is something that he claims cannot be captured by AI.

While AI-generated sportscasters are a technological step ahead, Barcelon said that it was disappointing because the AI presenters will not be able to entirely capture the mood, emotion, feeling, and excitement of the game that they are supposed to host.

Garnering Criticism from the Local Industry

GMA Network said during its introduction article of the two AI-generated presenters that Maia and Marco were created by using Image Generation, Text-to-Speech AI Voice Synthesis/Generation, and Deep Learning Face Animation Technology, according to Gadget Match.

On the other hand, GMA Senior Vice President and Head of Integrated News Regional TV, and Synergy, Oliver Amoroso, said that the introduction of the first AI sportscasters by GMA Integrated News, calling it a groundbreaking initiative. He noted that it significantly impacts the company's objective of serving all communities within the country and promoting inclusivity in their reporting.

Amoroso added that the company's adoption of AI technology also demonstrates their commitment to innovation in journalism. He said that they embrace emerging technologies in an attempt to stay at the forefront of the media industry by providing its audience with a modern and engaging sports news experience, said Yuga Tech.

However, there are a lot of people who expressed their disagreement with the decision, taking to social media platforms to voice their concerns. These include online user Aple Balagtas Bangaysiso, a communication student, who said that the job of a human was being replaced by AI.