(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Amid growing concerns over Artificial Intelligence (AI), a coalition of Unions representing Journalists, Film and Television Writers and Creative Workers, have sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (Democrat-New York) urging Congress to ensure these workers are protected by any legislation addressing Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Unions co-signed to the letter include the NewsGuild-CWA, Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) and the 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 AI 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

Writers Guild of America East President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen said: “We strongly urge the Senate to pass meaningful legislation that protects Writers and other Creative Professionals working in Film, Television, News, Podcasts and On-Line Media from the existential threat of AI.  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.”

NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss said: “Journalists are essential to a free and fair Democracy.  Too many Media Companies are attempting to replace Journalists with AI, resulting in false, misleading clickbait and the decimation of our news eco-systems.  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.”

NABET-CWA President Charlie Braco said: “As AI technologies rapidly evolve, it’s critical that we keep the human touch in broadcasting.  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.”

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: Unions Call on Congress to Ensure Journalists, Film and TV Writers, and Creative Workers Are Protected by AI Legislation | Press Room (wgaeast.org)