Leading broadcast company GMA Network takes a bold step towards the future of sports broadcasting as it launches the country’s first-ever Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated sportscasters.
A trailblazing collaboration between GMA Integrated News (GMAIN), GMA New Media Inc. (NMI), and GMA Synergy, this digital initiative is set to be unveiled on Sunday, September 24, in time for the start of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99.
Named Maia and Marco, the newest Kapuso AI sportscasters are set to bring the biggest news on NCAA Season 99 as well as updates on local and international sports featuring Filipino athletes on the social media platforms of GMAIN, GMA Sports, and GMA Synergy.
“The introduction of the first AI sportscasters by GMA Integrated News is a groundbreaking initiative that significantly impacts our objective of 'Mas malaking misyon, mas malawak na paglilingkod sa bayan.' It aligns with our mission to serve all communities within the nation and promote inclusivity in our reporting,” said Senior Vice President and Head of Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso.
“GMAIN's adoption of AI technology also demonstrates our commitment to innovation in journalism. We embrace emerging technologies to stay at the forefront of the media industry by providing our audience with a modern and engaging sports news experience. Through this initiative, we continue to fulfill our commitment to providing valuable information and enriching the lives of Filipinos worldwide,” Amoroso added.
Aileen Rae Perez, Assistant Vice President and Deputy Head for GMA Integrated News Social Media, expressed her excitement about the project. “With the latest developments in generative AI, our team is always on the lookout for ways to deliver information in the most exciting and engaging manner. We’re glad that we also get the opportunity to collaborate with our partners from NMI Studios and GMA Synergy for this groundbreaking project,” Perez said.
Both Maia and Marco are generated by artificial intelligence using Image Generation, Text-to-Speech AI Voice Synthesis/Generation, and Deep Learning Face Animation Technology.
“The rise of generative AI not only transforms how we share news and information, but it also fuels our creative process and redefines the landscape of modern video production. It doesn't replace human ingenuity; instead, it amplifies it, making our storytelling more powerful and accessible," NMI Studios Head of Creatives Ramil Escarda explained.
Be sure to catch Maia and Marco on the social media platforms of GMAIN, GMA Sports, and GMA Synergy. Don’t miss the star-studded “NCAA Season 99: New Heroes of the Game Opening Ceremony” this Sunday, September 24, live from the Mall of Asia Arena with simulcast at 2:00 PM on GMA and GTV.
