In other news, the cost of a 30-second commercial during the second Republican presidential debate dropped significantly from the first debate. The first debate on Fox News saw a 30-second commercial cost over $495,000, while the same spot for the second debate was just over $200,000. The drop in price is attributed to less interest in the second debate and the perception that the GOP primary race has become less competitive.
Key takeaways:
- The Writers Guild of America has ended its strike after 148 days, releasing details of its tentative agreement with Hollywood studios. The proposed contract includes protections against the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in writing or rewriting literary material.
- Studios will not be able to use generative AI to write or rewrite literary material, and AI-generated content cannot be used as source material. Writers can use AI tools to supplement their work with the company’s permission, but they cannot be required to do so.
- Other unions in the media industry have sought similar provisions against AI. The Directors Guild of America won a contract in early June that prohibited the use of generative AI to replace work performed by members, and actors in the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists are currently on strike in part over issues with AI.
- Newsroom unions are also hoping to codify language that prevents companies from using AI to replace journalistic work. Proposals put forward by unions representing journalists at Gannett newsrooms, The Wall Street Journal and The Associated Press all prohibit the use of AI to replace work done by members.