Please watch Reporter’s Notebook (GMA 7)

Pardon this shameless but “socially relevant” plug.

If you plan to stay up late tomorrow night (October 2), please watch Reporter’s Notebook on GMA 7. It airs immediately after Saksi.

I was among those interviewed in the segment on political censorship aptly titled “X-rating `Rights’” to be anchored by broadcast journalist Maki Pulido.

As you may now by now, Rights is a collection of 30 to 120-second public service advertisements on the country’s human rights situation. These political ads are directed by independent filmmakers Paolo Villaluna, Kiri Dalena, King Catoy, Anna Isabelle Matutina, Pam Miras, JL Burgos, Nino Tagaro, Sigrid Bernardo, Mike Dagnalan, John Torres, Jon Red, RJ Mabilin and Sigfreid Sanchez.

According to the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), Rights was given an “X” rating (not for public exhibition) because “scenes in the film are presented unfairly, one-sided and undermines the faith and confidence of the government and duly constituted authorities, thus, not for public exhibition.” What’s my take on this decision? Please watch Reporter’s Notebook to find out.

The GMA 7 crew led by Sankie Simbulan went to my office at the UP College of Mass Communication last September 26 not only to interview me but also to get footage of me reading at the College library and walking along the parking lot.

Sankie said that she was prompted to interview me due to an article I wrote on the MTRCB published in Bulatlat titled “New Media, Propaganda Make Review Board Irrelevant.”

I hope you’ll find time not only to read this old article but also to watch the segment tomorrow night. Thank you for reading.