UPMG Philippines Delves into the Impact of AI on Media
The United Print Multimedia Group (UPMG) Philippines recently held its General Membership Meeting, where members explored the fascinating interplay between artificial intelligence (AI) and the rapidly evolving media landscape. The event, held at the Escolta Function Room of the Lucky Chinatown Hotel on August 30, 2023, brought together industry professionals eager to gain insights from the global news congress.
UPMG President Barbie L. Atienza welcomed attendees and set the stage for the day’s discussions, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to cross-cultural knowledge sharing and its role in shaping UPMG’s trajectory. The focal point of the meeting was the learnings garnered by UPMG members from the renowned 74th World News Media Congress held in Taipei, Taiwan, from June 28-30.
Sherly O. Baula, UPMG treasurer and credit and collection manager of Chinese Commercial News, took center stage to shed light on the pros and cons of integrating AI in newsrooms. Her insights addressed common concerns surrounding AI while uncovering its potential benefits.
Baula’s discussion highlighted the division surrounding AI integration. While apprehensions regarding job displacement and compromised authenticity loomed large, she aptly showcased AI’s ability to streamline newsroom processes and drive content creation innovation. Baula presented tangible applications of AI in the media industry, such as AI-generated listicles and engaging animated videos. She even shared the debut of an AI-generated news anchor named Fedha on a Kuwaiti news channel.
Moreover, Baula delved into the regulatory landscape surrounding AI integration in newsrooms worldwide. She explored policies and rules governing transparency, ethics, data quality, verification methods, and collaborations between data scientists and journalists. Restoring public trust emerged as a key concern, especially given AI’s potential to disseminate misinformation through tools like deepfakes. Baula suggested a robust framework encompassing AI usage guidelines, transparent labeling of AI-generated content, human oversight, and rigorous fact-checking by experienced news editors.
Following Baula’s informative session, Jay Sarmiento, vice-president of UPMG and sales & marketing director of Philstar Media Group, shared insights on various business models that news outlets can leverage amidst the AI revolution. Sarmiento emphasized the need to refine business models in response to the growing decentralization of the web. She urged news organizations to fully embrace AI’s transformative potential and devise strategies beyond traditional reliance on established Big Tech companies. Sarmiento believed that this approach would uncover untapped intellectual property revenue streams.
Sarmiento introduced a range of 15 business models for news companies to consider, including paid content provision, data mining, and affiliate marketing. She proposed that news organizations capitalize on their unique strengths to select three models that align with their core competencies, thereby creating fresh revenue streams.
The UPMG Philippines General Meeting not only provided valuable insights into the impact of AI on media but also served as a platform for interaction and camaraderie. Attendees actively participated by posing queries, exchanging insights, and fostering collective learning. The event featured an engaging quiz and a raffle draw that further enhanced the dynamic atmosphere.
In conclusion, Angel V. Guerrero, UPMG Board Secretary and Publisher of Adobo Magazine, expressed gratitude and encapsulated the essence of the meeting—an enriching journey of exploration, learning, and empowerment.
In an ever-evolving media landscape shaped by AI and innovation, the UPMG Philippines General Meeting showcased the industry’s resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Armed with deeper insights, attendees left the event prepared to stride forward with renewed vigor.
