HomeLatest NewsWGC appeals for government regulation around...

WGC appeals for government regulation around AI and the role of Canadian creators

The Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) has written to the ministers of Canadian Heritage and Innovation, Science and Industry asking for protection for Canadian creators in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).

The national association, representing 2,500 professional screenwriters working in English-language film, television, radio, and digital media production, says it has growing concerns around the rapid development of AI and the threat it represents to Canadian artists and creators.

“While AI has been in development for some time, the recent launch of ChatGPT and other generative AI tools represent a paradigm shift in the ability of this technology to create text, audio, visual, and audiovisual content that could compete with, or even replace, human content creators,” wrote Neal McDougall, Assistant Executive Director, WGC. “This in turn threatens the economic wellbeing of Canadian artists, as well as their role as social critics and commentators, and ultimately their fundamental human dignity as artists.”

McDougall says the impacts of AI on the creative sector with respect to public policy are far-reaching, from copyright and cultural funding to industrial relations. He says the organization is already concerned over the use of AI in children’s programming and that cultural policy should support “nourishment for the mind and soul” rather than “manufacturing junk.”

“Our industry should be supporting an environment that allows for the creation of the best that human beings can achieve, not mass-producing artificial content that fills up space but leaves us feeling bloated but empty,” wrote McDougall.

Among the WGC recommendations is that AI not be recognized as an “author” under the Copyright Act, nor should the Copyright Act be amended to diminish or derogate the rights of human creators for the benefit of AI or those who design, manage, use, or own AI. It also wants public funding for culture to remain for the benefit of human creators.

The WGC says it’s united with its French counterpart, Société des auteurs de radio, télévision et cinema (SARTEC), in a “strong belief that AI must not undermine screenwriters’ economic wellbeing or human dignity as artists.”


Subscribe Now – Free!

Broadcast Dialogue has been required reading in the Canadian broadcast media for 30 years. When you subscribe, you join a community of connected professionals from media and broadcast related sectors from across the country.

The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue is delivered exclusively to subscribers by email every Thursday. It’s your link to critical industry news, timely people moves, and excellent career advancement opportunities.

Let’s get started right now.

* indicates required

 

SUBSCRIBE NOW - IT'S FREE!

At Broadcast Dialogue®, we are committed to delivering industry-leading insights, news, and analysis directly to your inbox—completely free of charge.

By providing full / accurate information, you are helping us sustain Broadcast Dialogue® as a free resource. In return, we commit to delivering high-quality content that keeps you informed on the latest trends, technology, and news shaping the broadcast landscape—at no cost to you.

The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue® is delivered exclusively to our subscribers by email every Thursday.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Your Subscription Information

Your Name
Your Email Address
Broadcast Dialogue uses this information to understand our audience and deliver relevant content.
Broadcast Dialogue uses this information to understand our audience and deliver relevant content.

Your Company Information

A Couple Of Questions

Do you consider yourself retired?
Are you seeking employment opportunities?

Connie Thiessen
Connie Thiessenhttps://broadcastdialogue.com
Connie has worked coast-to-coast as a reporter, editor, anchor and host at CKNW and News 1130 in Vancouver, News 95.7 and CBC in Halifax, and CFCW Edmonton, among other stations. With a passion for music, film and community service, she led News 95.7 to a 2013 Atlantic Journalism Award and regional RTDNA award for Best Radio Newscast. More recently, she was nominated for Music Journalist of the Year at Canadian Music Week 2019. To report a typo or error please email - [email protected]

Latest News

Validate Audio Attribution launches in U.S.

Momentum Media and Pattison Media have announced that Raleigh, NC-based media research firm Coleman Insights will be the exclusive licensee of Validate Audio Attribution...

Broadcast Dialogue – The Podcast: Coleman Insights’ Warren Kurtzman on bringing Validate Audio Attribution to the U.S.

The radio industry has a measurement and attribution problem. Hundreds of millions of dollars have left broadcast for platforms owned by digital giants like...

Events / Conferences