Maia and Marco

Maia and Marco are artificial intelligence used by GMA Network. Unveiled in 2023, they are used to fulfill the role of sports newscasters.

For the Brazilian politician, see Marco Maia.
Maia and Marco
Avatars of Maia (left) and Marco (right)
Primary user/sGMA Network
CountryPhilippines
Year introduced2023
PurposeSportscaster
Language/s

Background

Maia and Marco are artificial intelligence (AI) which take the form of three-dimensional human avatars. Maia makes use of a female avatar while Marco uses a male likeness. [1] They have aesthetic features that are typical to Filipino showbusiness personalities. [2]

Among the technologies used in making and operating the AI include image generation, text-to-speech AI voice synthesis/generation, and deep learning face animation.[1] They are also demonstrated to be bilingual, being able to speak in English and Tagalog (Filipino).[2]

Use

The AI pair was unveiled by GMA Network in September 24, 2023 for their coverage of Season 99 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).[3]

Fulfilling the role of sports newscasters, Maia and Marco would join GMA's courtside human reporters. The AI pair are scheduled to appear four times a month on GMA's digital media platforms. They will not appear in traditional television broadcast.[2]

Reception

The launch of the Maia and Marco was met with strong reactions. Various journalists and other personalities across the Philippine media industry expressed concern that their employment be at risk with the introduction of AI. The quality of the AI ability to emulate human behavior was characterized by critics as "soulless". [4][5][6]

GMA responding to concerns has stated that the AI would complement rather than replace its live human journalists including sportscasters.[2]

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines urged dialogue among its peers in the newsroom on policy on how to use AI, which the group acknowledge as "inevitable". [7]

See also

Reference
  1. "GMA's AI Sportscasters spark discussion on use of the tech in media". GMA News. September 23, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  2. Tomada, Nathalie (September 26, 2023). "GMA says first AI sportscasters 'not replacing' journalists". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  3. Garcia, John Mark (September 23, 2023). "NCAA Season 99 parades expanded sporting calendar, AI sportscasters". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  4. Isaga, JR (September 23, 2023). "Introduction of GMA AI sportscasters draws flak on social media". Rappler. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  5. Dancel, Raul (September 25, 2023). "AI sportscasters claim place in Philippine sports, but critics say they lack 'soul'". The Straits Times. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  6. Maragay, Dino; Villanueva, Ralph Edwin (September 25, 2023). "'Players aren't automated, so why?': Filipino sportscasters cry foul as AI presenters debut on local sports TV". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  7. Banzuelo, Neil (September 25, 2023). "Philippine newsrooms urged to discuss, develop AI policies with staff". BusinessWorld. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
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