Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly common tool in Philippine newsrooms, helping journalists produce content faster and streamline routine tasks.
However, a new study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) warns that the technology also presents significant challenges to media sustainability, information integrity, and intellectual property protection.
The study, titled “AI Use in Philippine News Media: Adoption, Impacts, and Challenges,” examined how local news organizations are integrating AI into their operations and the implications of its growing use for journalism and media governance.
Researchers found that Philippine news organizations are using AI for transcription, editing, fact-checking, content research, and audience analytics.
These applications have helped improve efficiency and productivity while enabling newsrooms to meet increasing demand for digital and multimedia content.
The study noted, however, that AI is largely being used as a support tool rather than a replacement for journalists.
Participating organizations reported no AI-related job losses, with human oversight remaining essential in verifying information, providing context, and maintaining journalistic standards.
“While AI improves operational efficiency, enhances productivity, and boosts audience engagement, it has also posed complex challenges that threaten the sustainability, integrity, and intellectual property of news media organizations,” the authors noted.
Among the concerns highlighted by the study is AI’s potential impact on the information ecosystem. With 90.8 million Filipinos, or about 78% of the population, using social media, researchers warned that AI-generated content could accelerate the spread of misinformation, fabricated content, and inaccurate information.
The study said AI-generated outputs may contain errors or biases, making it harder for audiences to distinguish credible journalism from manipulated or synthetic content. Such developments could further weaken public trust in news organizations and democratic institutions.
Researchers also pointed to the possible economic impact of AI on the media industry. AI-powered platforms can provide users with direct summaries of news reports, potentially reducing traffic to publishers’ websites and affecting advertising and subscription revenues.
The study likewise raised concerns over the use of journalistic content in training AI systems without authorization, attribution, or compensation.
According to the researchers, these practices raise questions about intellectual property protection and the long-term viability of news production.
The report found that only a limited number of Philippine media organizations have adopted formal AI policies, underscoring the need for clearer standards governing the responsible and transparent use of the technology.
To address these challenges, the authors called for stronger governance mechanisms, improved media and information literacy, greater accountability among technology platforms, and closer collaboration among government agencies, media organizations, technology firms, academic institutions, and civil society groups.
The researchers also suggested exploring policies that would require compensation for media organizations when their content is used to train AI models or enhance digital platform services, similar to measures being considered or implemented in other countries.
“By proactively addressing the challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities presented by AI, the Philippine news media industry can adapt to the evolving landscape and continue to fulfill its critical role in society as a source of reliable information, a mechanism for accountability, and a catalyst for national development,” the study concluded.
