The Philippine Star had an article last July 28 (Saturday) titled “Growing trees in a digital forest” which includes my views on print and online publications.  If you’re interested in media studies, I think this article is worth reading.

Due to space constraints and other considerations, I expected that not all of my points can be included by the author. In this light, allow me to post the full text of my emailed reply to his questions.

In your opinion, how has the Internet - specifically online news - affected newspapers?

New media (particularly the Internet) give media consumers an option to retrieve information faster. Unlike print media where information is bound by time and space constraints, new media can provide more up-to-date developments of issues and concerns. While there are technical limitations with regard to data storage and transfer in the case of websites, it cannot be denied that these can be easily remedied in case new media organizations face these problems. A simple deletion, for example, of selected archived files can help free up space. In the print media, deadlines cannot be compromised as these could result in delays in production. Should print media organizations also decide to add more pages to accommodate stories, they have to deal with higher printing cost, among others. New media organizations generally do not have to deal with such constraints. Unlike in print media where there are specific deadlines that must be met, new media have what we refer to as a “24/7″ deadline because new developments can be reported as soon as the stories are written. 

Do newspapers, physical ink and paper documents, still have a place in the near future?

I think it is wrong to assume that we are now seeing the death of print media, particularly newspapers, with the so-called ubiquity of new media. The main attribute of print media which is “permanence” has not been compromised by new media. Print media like newspapers, magazines and books are still used as main references despite the availability of online sources. One must keep in mind that there is still a limited reach of the Internet and there are data to prove this argument. For more information, please read my article titled “The Practice of Online Journalism in the Philippines: Personal Observations” which may be retrieved from http://bulatlat.com/news/6-36/6-36-online.htm.

Is there a general decline in newspaper readership since the Internet was introduced? Or is it safer to say that there are other factors contributing either to a decline or increase in newspaper readership?

Studies in the U.S. show a decline in newspaper readership due to the general tendency of media consumers to just surf the Internet for their information needs. In the Philippines, one can also notice that television is the most powerful medium right now, with newspapers being the least credible, according to a 2004 survey by Pulse Asia. A close scrutiny of the Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) shows that Filipinos have the least access to print media. Unlike in the U.S., however, I think newspaper readership is low in the Philippines simply because of the high cost of broadsheets. Those earning low wages would rather watch television or listen to the radio instead of buy newspapers that cost almost P20. I think the Internet which was introduced to Filipinos in 1994 had little to do with the decline in newspaper readership for the simple reason that there still remains a limited reach of new media. I would concede, however, that those with relatively high purchasing power are wont to just surf the Internet for their information needs, in the same way that the techno-savvy overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) deployed to industrialized countries normally go to various websites to be abreast with the goings-on in the country. This, however, is not the case with the poor majority living in the country.

Do these two media (newspaper and the Internet) really complement each other? Or is it the other way around?

I think the print and new media complement each other in the sense that websites of print media organizations can help increase interest in print publications which could result in more profits for the company. The new media component (e.g., website, WAPsite) can ensure that information reach a broader, global audience. On the other hand, the authority of print media can help increase the credibility of online publications. The websites of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) and Newsbreak, for example, are seen as authoritative because of the organizations’ journalistic outputs in the so-called “old media.” I think the same case applies to websites of newspapers like the Philippine Star where the reputation of print publications tends to rub off on the websites. In the case of Bulatlat Online Magazine where I serve as an editor and which does not have a print counterpart, I think the decision of several print publications (e.g., Philippine Star, Philippine Graphic, Manila
Times) to quote from our studies or even reprint some of our articles helped increase the credibility of our website. In this way, complementation between the two is also achieved.

Personally, which do you prefer and why? Do you think this represents a general viewpoint of the average Filipino news reader?

Print has the advantage of permanence; radio, immediacy; television, audio-visual components; and new media, convergence. As a journalist who straddles print, broadcast and new media, I think one should not be asked to choose one for the other since all forms of media have their own attributes and advantages. The temptation to say that new media is the best is borne out of its being the newest form of media. Some media analysts had the same mindset when television was introduced, and there was even a song about it (”Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles). I think the “average Filipino news reader,” based on various studies, identify television as the most powerful medium, leading observers to note that we are now living in the “TV generation.” However, being the most powerful does not translate to its being the best medium. All forms of media complement each other and it would be irresponsible for us to pit one against the other.

Arao, D. A. (2007, July 25-31). Bakit ba ako nagsusulat ngayon? Pinoy Weekly, 6 (28), p. 5. This may be retrieved from http://www.pinoyweekly.org/pw6-28/op_ed/ed-6_28_3.htm.

You can say that this is the one of the most personal essays I have written so far.

There is no such thing as a born writer, and my experience with writing is evidence of it.

My elementary and high school classmates know how I initially hated writing. In the past, I would study Math and Science subjects with so much enthusiasm, very much unlike my attitude towards English and Filipino, especially when it comes to theme writing. But as I grew older and wiser, I saw the need to write not only to communicate but also to inform and enlighten.

I hope you will find time to read my personal journey. Thank you for your attention.

Arao, D. A. (2007, July 18-24). Kuwento ng kalabasa, kalaboso at pulbura. Pinoy Weekly, 6 (27), p. 5. This may be retrieved from http://www.pinoyweekly.org/pw6-27/op_ed/ed-6_27_3.htm.

Consider this article an experiment in “internal rhythm” and “play on words” as I analyzed a very pressing issue. I tried my very best in making the tone formal so that I don’t end up trivializing the topic.

Unlike most of my previous column articles, the title does not directly give an idea of what the topic is all about. Of course, one is wont to think that this article discusses human rights given the use of the word kalaboso (jail); and perhaps extrajudicial killings if he or she were to associate pulbura (gunpowder) with this form of human rights violation. But what about kalabasa (squash)? What is the kuwento (story) all about?

Curious as to how this experiment turned out? Please read my article now and tell me what you think. Thank you.

Arao, D. A. (2007, July 11-17). Pamamahayag sa panahon ng Human Security Act. Pinoy Weekly, 6 (26), p. 5. This may be retrieved from http://www.pinoyweekly.org/pw6-26/op_ed/ed-6_26_3.htm.

After reading the 35-page Human Security Act (HSA), I came to the conclusion that it can compromise the principles and standards of journalism, particularly when it comes to ethics. If you don’t believe me, just read the full text of the law’s Sec. 17 (Proscription of Terrorist Organizations, Associations, or Group of Persons): “Any organization, association, or group of persons organized for the purpose of engaging in terrorism, or which, although not organized for that purpose, actually uses the acts to terrorize mentioned in this Act or to sow and create a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace in order to coerce the government to give in to an unlawful demand shall, upon application of the Department of Justice before a competent Regional Trial Court, with due notice and opportunity to be heard given to the organization, association, or group of persons concerned, be declared as a terrorist and outlawed organization, association, or group of persons by the said Regional Trial Court.” (italics mine)

Clearly, the writing of critical articles can be interpreted as sowing “fear and panic” among the people. Does this mean that if and when the HSA is implemented (July 15, if the government will have its way), I cannot write anymore about pressing concerns like the demand of labor groups for a wage increase?

The HSA is a very important issue so I hope that you will take some time to read the article. Thank you.

A senior editor of Pinoy Weekly said that there was an oversight in the laying out of this issue’s (July 4-10, 2007) op-ed page which resulted in my old column article titled “Kultura ng kasalukuyang pamamahala” seeing print instead of the one I sent.

Given this, I am posting the column article that should have been published titled “Anarkiya sa lansangan.” You can say that this article was inspired by my limited experience in driving the SUV Joy and I just bought. Thank you for reading!

Update (July 11, 5:10 pm): Pinoy Weekly published this as a feature article in its July 11-17 issue (p. 10).

Madaling ibunton ang sisi sa mga “bastos” na drayber ng traysikel, dyip, bus at taksi sa anarkiyang nangyayari sa lansangan.

Para sa marami, sila ang mga “likas na pasaway” at walang respeto sa mga batas-trapiko. Sila ay kinaiinisan, kinatatakutan at iniiwasan dahil malamang na kamot sa ulo lang ang magiging pambayad kung sakaling ang sasakyan mo ay mabangga nila. Mayroon din sa kanilang nagbibigay ng malutong na mura o nakakairitang kantiyaw sa mga motoristang sa tingin nila ay masyadong mabagal at sagabal sa kanilang hanapbuhay.

At alam nating ang kanilang hanapbuhay ay hanap-pasahero. Ang kanilang pag-uunahang makakuha ng pasahero ay pangunahing dahilan ng matinding trapiko sa lansangan. Sa halip na bigyang-solusyon ito ng ilang pulis-trapiko, mapapansing ang pagkakabuhol-buhol ng mga sasakyan ay nagiging oportunidad para sa “dagdag na kita.” Ang mga pampasaherong sasakyan ay hinahayaang kumuha ng pasahero sa labas ng mga nakatakdang loading zone kapalit ng mga tinatawag na tong. Malakas din ang loob ng ilang drayber ng mga pampasaherong sasakyan na ipagwalang-bahala ang mga batas-trapiko dahil alam nilang “protektado” sila hangga’t “nakapagbayad.”

Sa madaling salita, ang ilang pulis-trapiko ay pinagkakakitaan ang desperasyon ng mga drayber na mapuno ng pasahero ang sasakyan at makarami ng biyahe para may pambayad sa boundary ng kanilang opereytor at pantustos sa gastusin ng kanilang pamilya. Hinahayaan ng mga dapat na magtakda ng disiplina ang anarkiya sa lansangan na, tulad ng iba pang nangyayari sa lipunan, ay may pang-ekonomiyang konteksto.

Bagama’t minsan ay nagkakaroon tayo ng tendensiyang isiping may mga drayber na likas na masama ang ugali, dapat nating isaisip ang pinagdaraanan nilang hirap para lang buhayin ang kanilang pamilya. Apektado ang kanilang kita hindi lang sa tong ng ilang pulis-trapiko at mataas na boundary ng mga opereytor, kundi sa patakarang deregulasyon ng pamahalaan. Ang nangyaring deregulasyon sa industriya ng langis mula pa noong 1996 ay nagbunga ng kawalan ng kontrol sa presyo ng langis, kaya apektado rin ang mga pamasaheng itinatakda sa kasalukuyan ng pamahalaan.

Ngayon Hulyo, ang pagbabalik sa P7.50 ng minimum na pamasahe sa dyip para sa unang apat na kilometro ay napakaliit ang epekto sa kita ng drayber kung iisipin hindi lang ang mataas na presyo ng langis kundi ng iba pang bilihin. Pero ibig sabihin ba nito’y dapat na mas mataas ang singil sa pamasahe? Para sa mga organisado at progresibong drayber, ang kanilang panawagan sa pamahalaan ay ang pagbabasura sa deregulasyon sa industriya ng langis dahil hindi hamak na napakalaki ng epekto ng sunud-sunod na pagtaas ng presyo ng langis.

Kahit hindi pa dalhin sa antas ng negatibong epekto ng globalisasyon ang debate, hindi ba’t makatwiran ang sitwasyong kontroladong pareho ang pagtatakda ng presyo ng langis at pamasahe? Ang nangyayari kasi sa kasalukuyan ay ang walang habas na pagtataas ng presyo ng langis habang napakabagal ng mga desisyon kung ano ang gagawin sa singil sa pasahe.

Kung sa tingin ng mga drayber ay lubhang napakaliit ng singil sa pasahe sa kasalukuyan, ang solusyon ay hindi pagtataas nito kundi ang sama-samang pagtutol sa nangyayaring deregulasyon sa industriya ng langis. Tulad ng tendensiya ng ilang pulis-trapiko na pagkakitaan ang desperasyon ng mga drayber, ang deregulasyon ay nagiging instrumento ng pagsasamantala hindi lang ng malalaking dayuhang korporasyon kundi ng pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng mga buwis na nakokolekta mula sa mga produktong petrolyo.

Mananatili ang anarkiya sa lansangan hangga’t may desperasyon sa bahagi ng mga drayber na hirap na hirap maghanapbuhay. Ayaw man nilang labagin ang mga batas-trapiko, napipilitan silang sumakay sa agos ng walang pakundangang pagmamaneho, pagpapasakay at pagpapababa ng pasahero sa kung saan-saan, kahit ang kanilang ginagawa ay napakalaking abala sa iba pang motorista.

Sa ating pagsakay sa kanilang traysikel, dyip o taksi, mainam na pagsabihan natin silang maghinay-hinay sa pagmamaneho para sa kaligtasan ng mga nakasakay. Pero kailangan din silang paalalahanang mas magkakaroon ng direksiyon ang kanilang buhay kung susuriin ang puno’t dulo ng anarkiyang araw-araw nilang kinakaharap.

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What I earned last summer is big enough to fit in our garage!

Yes, you’re looking at a second-hand but well-maintained Suzuki Vitara 1996. Most of the students, faculty and staff of the UP CMC know that this used to be one of two vehicles of a senior faculty member who has recently retired. He decided to sell this to me at a very, very low price. Our “friendly deal” actually became a take-off point in a column article I wrote on activism titled “Palibhasa, aktibista.” (What does this have to with activism? Please read the article.)

We signed the deed of absolute sale in the middle of June. The day after the sale, I immediately did some practice driving with the help of my in-laws.

Look at me guarding the SUV with my life!

Right now, Joy and I are taking good care of the Vitara.

I consider the summer of 2007 as the most ”productive” in terms of additional income I earned from the various research projects, consultancies, television appearances and workshops I did over a two-month period. It was just by strange coincidence that the senior faculty member’s offer to sell his SUV came at a time when Joy and I can afford it.

Of course, my motorcycle will now have to be parked on our front yard. I think I will be using the motorcycle for short travels from now on.

In any case, I guess you can now say that I have been “promoted” from professional commuter to motorcycle rider to SUV driver!

Arao, D. A. (2007, June 27-July 3). Matematika para sa manggagawa. Pinoy Weekly, 6 (24), p. 5. This may be retrieved from http://www.pinoyweekly.org/pw6-24/op_ed/ed-6_24_3.htm.

This article analyzes the latest data on minimum wage and family living wage. Yes, I’ve written several articles on the issue but I still find it necessary to stress the age-old arguments for a substantial increase in the workers’ wages.

I think the article’s concluding paragraph sums up the arguments I have raised through the years:

Para sa nakararami, ang nabanggit na mga estadistika ay batayan para makibaka. Sa kabila ng opisyal na retorika ng diumanong pag-unlad sa ekonomiya at pagbuti sa kalagayan ng lakas-paggawa, alam ng mga manggagawang hindi kayang tanggalin ng ilusyong ipinapalaganap ang kalam ng sikmura.

Rough English translation (Sorry, the message is better expressed in Filipino!): For the majority, the above-mentioned statistics serve as bases to struggle. Despite the official rhetoric of alleged economic development and improvement in the situation of the labor force, the workers know that the illusion being propagated cannot assuage their hunger.

Please read the article if you have time. Thank you for reading!