CNET journalists form union to fight AI authors

Around 100 CNET employees have unionized in response to management’s “lack of transparency” regarding layoffs and the use of AI. Writes about it Vice.

“The organizing campaign at CNET began before the news about artificial intelligence in our magazine,” a spokesman for the association said.

The union will allow the magazine’s staff to maintain the “highest standards” of the media and the integrity of CNET as a trusted source, he said.

“We need the same protection and guarantees as other digital media, especially as new technologies are introduced,” the organization said.

CNET will join the Eastern Writers Guild of America (WGAE). The organization brings together many other online media, as well as screenwriters, radio and television staff. It represents the interests of 7,000 workers.

“Automated technology threatens our jobs and reputation. The union will help us adapt to new business strategies while setting high journalistic standards and practices,” the letter to CNET management says.

Employees are also concerned about the massive restructuring of the publication, including three rounds of cuts in the last year. According to them, this provoked low morale and anxiety, and also led to a wave of resignations and an outflow of specialists.

“We are facing a lack of transparency and accountability from management regarding performance evaluations, sponsored content and AI plans. We are concerned about the blurring of editorial strategies and monetization plans,” the statement said.

The union is asking CNET and Red Ventures to voluntarily recognize the association.

Earlier, WGAE declared the use of artificial intelligence algorithms for writing texts inadmissible. According to media reports, the guild discussed the matter with the Film and Television Producers Alliance.

In May, negotiations between the parties stalled. In this regard, WGAE announced the largest strike of screenwriters in 15 years.

Recall that at the end of 2022, CNET quietly published articles generated by artificial intelligence for almost three months.

In January 2023, following the revelation, the magazine’s management announced their intention to continue using AI to write content.

In March, amid the growing scandal, CNET fired 10% of its employees.

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Around 100 CNET employees have unionized in response to management’s “lack of transparency” regarding layoffs and the use of AI. Writes about it Vice.

“The organizing campaign at CNET began before the news about artificial intelligence in our magazine,” a spokesman for the association said.

The union will allow the magazine’s staff to maintain the “highest standards” of the media and the integrity of CNET as a trusted source, he said.

“We need the same protection and guarantees as other digital media, especially as new technologies are introduced,” the organization said.

CNET will join the Eastern Writers Guild of America (WGAE). The organization brings together many other online media, as well as screenwriters, radio and television staff. It represents the interests of 7,000 workers.

“Automated technology threatens our jobs and reputation. The union will help us adapt to new business strategies while setting high journalistic standards and practices,” the letter to CNET management says.

Employees are also concerned about the massive restructuring of the publication, including three rounds of cuts in the last year. According to them, this provoked low morale and anxiety, and also led to a wave of resignations and an outflow of specialists.

“We are facing a lack of transparency and accountability from management regarding performance evaluations, sponsored content and AI plans. We are concerned about the blurring of editorial strategies and monetization plans,” the statement said.

The union is asking CNET and Red Ventures to voluntarily recognize the association.

Earlier, WGAE declared the use of artificial intelligence algorithms for writing texts inadmissible. According to media reports, the guild discussed the matter with the Film and Television Producers Alliance.

In May, negotiations between the parties stalled. In this regard, WGAE announced the largest strike of screenwriters in 15 years.

Recall that at the end of 2022, CNET quietly published articles generated by artificial intelligence for almost three months.

In January 2023, following the revelation, the magazine’s management announced their intention to continue using AI to write content.

In March, amid the growing scandal, CNET fired 10% of its employees.

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