Unions Call on Congress to Ensure Journalists, Film and TV Writers, and Creative Workers Are Protected by AI Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 28, 2024) – Amid growing concerns over Artificial Intelligence, a coalition of unions representing journalists, film and television writers, and creative workers have sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) urging Congress to ensure these workers are protected by any legislation addressing Artificial Intelligence.

Unions co-signed to the letter include: The NewsGuild-CWA, Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) and National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians (NABET-CWA).

The letter specifically urges Congress to protect journalists, film and television writers and creative workers from Artificial Intelligence by:

• Ensuring AI does not replace journalists and creative professionals or replicate work produced by these professionals without consent or fair compensation, whether or not they own the copyrights to their work;
• Safeguarding against the use of AI to surveil workers and their work product;
• Protecting professional voice, likeness and performance and written talent; and
• Codifying workers’ rights to bargain collectively over AI policy in the workplace

“We strongly urge the Senate to pass meaningful legislation that protects writers and other creative professionals working in film, television, news, podcasts and online media from the existential threat of AI,” said Writers Guild of America East President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen. “AI is a rapidly advancing technology posing numerous real-world consequences. There must be strong legal guardrails put in place to ensure that this tool is not abused by companies to the detriment of a writer’s work.”

“Journalists are essential to a free and fair democracy,” said NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss. “Too many media companies are attempting to replace journalists with AI, resulting in false, misleading clickbait and the decimation of our news ecosystems. It is essential that journalists are not replaced by misguided media companies looking to maximize profits at the expense of human-driven journalism that informs the public and holds our institutions accountable.”

“As AI technologies rapidly evolve, it’s critical that we keep the human touch in broadcasting,” said NABET-CWA President Charlie Braco. “We must push for regulations that ensure AI enhances, rather than replaces, the essential contributions of our storytellers, broadcasters, and journalists. Our goal is to foster a future where technology amplifies our craft, while preserving the authenticity and accountability that are fundamental to our democracy. By upholding genuine, human-driven storytelling, we strengthen the public’s trust in the media, ensuring the stories they rely on are rooted in truth and integrity.”

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