Arao, D. A. (2007, May 2-8). Pagpapahalaga sa kalayaan sa pamamahayag. Pinoy Weekly, 6 (16), p. 5. This may be retrieved from http://www.pinoyweekly.org/pw6-16/op_ed/ed-6_16_3.htm.
May 3 is World Press Freedom Day as declared by the United Nations (UN). I think this is a good opportunity to analyze some misconceptions about the role of mass media in social development, particularly in providing information.
For example, there is a big difference between what audiences want and need, and the latter proves to be most important in the shaping of public opinion. It is so easy to blame the people, particularly the hoi polloi, as the kind of mass media we have right now. But what is commonly ignored is the role of the so-called gatekeepers of information in the determination of media content. We must all keep in mind that both the journalists and gatekeepers are duty-bound to provide information that the people need. That’s the only way that the mass media can help shape public opinion.
Please read my article if you have time. Thank you for your attention.
Just read this column of yours. Incisive analysis on the conduct of much of what is called the media in the Philippines, especially TV.
I must say though that it is not just that the serious news on TV — which, as you correctly pointed out — is laid down in a form so shortened it is drastically dumbed down — is invariably followed by “light” news on showbusiness. It is also that the so-called “news programs” on TV always present through their pre-commercial break teasers the showbiz “news” as the main attraction.
I remember saying last year in a forum sponsored by UJP-UP how insulting it is that, in a country where out of every 100 who enroll in Grade I, only 14 go on to finish college (based on data gathered by Jubilee Action) — we have well-to-do students who spend four to six years (and in some cases even seven or eight years) of their lives at the country’s best schools (which for many are difficult to get into) only to end up as showbiz “reporters” (a term not fit for them but which we have to use until the invention of a more appropriate term) for the country’s Big Two TV stations.
Reply: You’re right. Those who have earned their degrees from the country’s “best schools” — attention: currently unemployed Batch 2007 journalism graduates of UP CMC! — should not waste taxpayers’ money by making a mockery of journalism and doing a disservice to media audiences. It’s important that they focus on the hard news. Or better yet, support the alternative media. Sana lang po…