A student from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) emailed questions on my experience as a campus journalist. Here are my answers. Since the questions were written in Filipino, I took the liberty of translating into English both the questions and my answers.

What motivated you to work for the Philippine Collegian in particular and the student movement in general?

I joined the Philippine Collegian (official student publication of the University of the Philippines Diliman) during my sophomore year in the late 1980s. At that time, I only wanted to develop my journalistic writing skills as I may be considered a “late bloomer” in campus journalism. I was not part, after all, of student publications in my elementary and high school days. In other words, I took writing seriously only in college!

It was only much later that I realized that journalism does not only require excellent writing skills but also a keen sense of awareness of what’s happening around us. It is through the latter that we could provide analytical depth to the articles we write.

As a result of a better appreciation of Philippine social reality, I also got involved in student activism. I actually joined the now defunct Kabataan para sa Demokrasya at Nasyonalismo (KADENA, loose translation: Youth for Nationalism and Democracy) whose mandate was to organize the out-of-school youth.

What were your good and bad experience of being part of the Philippine Collegian?

Through my involvement with the Philippine Collegian, I learned the importance of journalism in society. I appreciated the power of the media in the movement for social change. The demands of producing a weekly publication made me become more patient and diligent. I learned how to better deal with stress and other related problems that are considered part of being a journalist (particularly that of an editor, reporter and layout artist which were among my major tasks).

I cannot classify the problems I encountered as “bad experience” because I learned from them. It would be safe to assume that my college life became more memorable because of my work as a campus journalist.

What are the important lessons you learned from your experience in the Philippine Collegian?

I learned that journalism is more than just writing skills even if the latter are very important in communicating the intended message. Equally important to form (e.g., grammar, syntax, diction) is the substance of the article that can only be produced if a journalist knows how to analyze, if he or she knows how to make sense of the social reality.

As a campus journalist in your student days, what do you think are the duties of a campus publication?

A campus publication is essentially a student publication. This means that it is oriented toward promoting and upholding student rights and welfare. That it has a pro-student orientation doesn’t mean that a campus publication will turn a blind eye to the excesses or mistakes (if any) of students and student organizations. Through constructive criticism, a campus publication may actually end up exposing what it believes to be shortcomings of certain student groups and ideologies. Through in-depth analysis of issues and concerns, campus publications could help raise the level of discourse and contribute to the shaping of public opinion.

Had there been changes in the orientation of campus publications through the years?

I would like to think that today’s campus publications still have a pro-student orientation although there could be different interpretations of it. From my interaction with some of them, there are faculty advisers and student editors, for example, who think that campus publications should distinguish between national and local/community issues and that they should focus on the latter. I always stress that this is wrong because issues to be covered in a campus publication depend on the significance in the lives of the primary audience, the students.

Besides, what makes campus publications different from the mainstream/corporate print media is that they could better analyze national issues in the context of local concerns. Conversely, the so-called local concerns should be discussed in terms of how they relate to pressing national issues.

What factors caused such changes?

I think the culture of reading is not as strong as before among today’s youth. The latter are now more immersed in television and the new media. That Generation X is sometimes referred to as the TV generation shows the popularity and wide influence of audio-visual stimuli coming from the broadcast media. While today’s youth are more technology-savvy and media-savvy, it is unfortunate that they sometimes do not have the patience and diligence to read and understand important media texts.

In the face of suppression of press freedom, how did you cope with the times and continued your duties as a journalist?

Despite the threats I experienced in the past (the latest of which was when a radio program I co-hosted got cancelled in 2006 due to the government’s imposition of a state of national emergency), I try to continue my work as a journalist because the Filipino people deserve nothing less. I have no illusion that I will be read by everyone. But I cannot turn my back on those who are interested to know more about the issues and concerns I have chosen to analyze. They may agree or disagree with me, but what’s important is that I communicate my intended message. As a result of my being a campus journalist in college, I now have a firm grasp of my responsibility as a journalist.

What is your message to young writers so that they could develop and help uphold press freedom?

All of us should be aware of what’s happening in society so that we could better analyze burning social issues and put everything in proper context. As mentioned, the intended audience deserves nothing less but quality coverage. That’s the only way journalists can help in the shaping of public opinion.

Want to know more? Please read “Campus journalists as `torch bearers’ (August 12, 2010),” “My views on campus journalism and the Philippine Collegian (April 20, 2007)” and “My experience as a campus journalist (October 10, 2007).”

A student from the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman emailed some questions about election coverage in the new media. Allow me to share with you my short answers.

What are the major challenges in doing online coverage of the elections?

Online journalism is said to have the “permanence of print and the immediacy of broadcast.” Convergence, however, is not just limited to relative permanence or immediacy. It also has to do with combining various kinds of media texts and hypertexts (i.e., words, hyperlinks, images, streaming audio and video).

Just like the coverage of other issues, election coverage through the new media requires the immediate uploading of media texts without compromising the highest professional and ethical standards of journalism.

At the same time, the online publication should maximize social media to promote its contents. The uploading of media texts, after all, does not guarantee the immediate sharing of information.

How is it different from the coverage of traditional media (i.e. print and broadcast media)?

Unlike in the so-called traditional media, online publications do not have deadlines in the strictest sense of the word. Articles and other forms of media texts (e.g., photographs, video files) are uploaded as soon as they are ready. It is therefore possible for an online publication to have various “banner headlines” in one day. In the same way, an article could be updated several times especially in the case of breaking stories where new developments happen, say, every hour.

In the new media, feedback from audiences is made more expedient. Despite the moderation of comments in many online publications, the feedback is still relatively faster in terms of its publication.

What ethical issues are usually encountered in election coverage?

Given the nature of the new media, the temptation to immediately upload unverified information remains. Those who don’t have a firm grasp of journalism ethics argue that this practice is acceptable since the initially wrong information could be corrected anyway. This is obviously wrong because online visitors would be led to think that the unverified information is true.

Notwithstanding the nature of the new media, the professional and ethical standards should remain the same, and should remain high. It is unthinkable and unacceptable for anybody to adjust (read: lower) the high standards of journalism to justify the immediate uploading of information, even if unverified.

The convenience of taking photographs or footage could also make an online journalist forget the need to strike a balance between the public’s right to know and an individual’s right to privacy, especially in the cases of rape victims and juvenile delinquents.

Though the two cases rarely crop up during elections, photographs and footage of election-related violence should be treated with utmost care to ensure that the dead are properly given respect and what is presetned to the public is in “good taste.” This is the reason some crime scenes are pixelized (or rendered in black and white) to ensure that the sensibilities of audiences are not affected, especially the children who are watching.

How are these issues connected to the nature of the medium?

Technology makes it easy for people to publish online. A content management system (CMS) like WordPress, for example, makes it easy for anybody to put up an online publication or a personal blog. Notwithstanding the high cost of gadgets, there are many user-friendly, high-resolution digital cameras that can take quality photographs and footage which could be shared online even without the use of an Internet-connected computer. One can even argue that a high-technology cellphone which has a built-in video camera is more than enough for a blogger or journalist to take pictures or footage.

Are there any landmark ethical issues that occurred during this year’s elections, particularly in online media?

It’s hard to define “landmark,” but a blogger-supporter of a presidential candidate was removed from a newly-established Asian news website after the latter got complaints due to his irresponsible articles. This blogger became notorious not only for ungrammatical writing but also for engaging in character assassination. Incidentally, his favorite target during the election campaign was the leading presidential candidate. He took a leave of absence for a while but he is now back blogging in his old, irresponsible style. I’m sorry if I refuse to identify him as I might end up giving him the popularity he doesn’t deserve.

Were they resolved? If yes, how? If no, what would be the best course of action?

His being removed from an Asian news website did not prevent him from setting up not just one but several blogs. He still engages in maligning his pet peeves, though I noticed that he has gone soft lately on President Noynoy Aquino. For me, the best course of action is to ignore him publicly and to use his blog entries as case studies in media ethics, particularly on how NOT to blog.

Why do you think they occur?

The answer is simple: There are a few bloggers who don’t know the responsibility that goes with sharing information in the public domain, which is what cyberspace is (whether we like it or not).

What should online media practitioners work on to overcome such ethical issues?

They should be more conscious of the consequences of their actions, particularly the harm they would do to audiences if they give wrong or unverified information. I think a good start is to read and understand A Bloggers’ Code of Ethics.

A student from the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman emailed a few questions about my involvement with the community press. Below are my answers.

What community presses have you been affiliated with? What positions did you occupy?

If we loosely define “community press” as media organizations that cater mainly to a defined area and therefore has a defined audience, my affiliation with the so-called community press started as early as college in the late 1980s: I was a reporter for the Philippine Collegian, official student publication of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, where I eventually became its news editor.

Contrary to the popular notion that my “Konteksto” (Context) column started with Pinoy Weekly, it actually started in 2004 with the defunct community-based tabloid Alam ng Cagayan Valley which is based in Tuguegarao City. This publication did not last long.

In 2006, I decided to revive “Konteksto” when I was offered to write more regularly for Pinoy Weekly, which is technically not community-based given its broader Filipino audience in the country and abroad.

What sets a community press apart from a local newspaper or other forms of media?

A local newspaper is part of the community press. Strictly speaking, the word “press” refers to the print media, particularly newspapers and magazines. Through the years, however, “press” has become synonymous with “media” and therefore includes not only print but also broadcast and new media. This would explain why a journalist’s identification card is now usually called “press ID.”

What is the structure of the editorial staff of a community press? Does it differ from the editorial staff of newspapers/magazines?

Just like other media organizations, the community press has a defined hierarchy of publishers, editors, writers, photographers, graphic designers and layout artists, among other positions. Low-budget media organizations in communities, however, normally have journalists who take on various tasks. It’s not surprising to encounter community-based print publications that have only one or two people who do all the work.

How are the issues released? Are there any routine tasks you need to perform every day for that particular newspaper?

From my experience at the Philippine Collegian, the weekly issues were always on time as the work had a defined system. Despite our heavy academic load and other extra-curricular activities, most of the editors and staff were very committed to see an issue through and normally went the “extra mile,” so to speak, to make sure that certain tasks were done. Brownouts, computer breakdowns and other technical problems sometimes happened but these were not used as convenient excuses not to finish the job.

What makes working for a community press different from working for a commercial newspaper/publication?

Those who work for the community press, provided the media organization is not commercial in character, do so out of serious commitment instead of mere employment. They use their journalistic skills and knowledge to inform their community, without expecting to be compensated for their services.

What are the usual  problems encountered in the production of the newspaper?

Financial constraints normally plague the community press and this is primarily the reason many community-based publications come and go.

Being a “community press,” what role does the community perform in the production process?

The community residents do not only serve as audience of a community-based media organization. They are actually mobilized to provide leads with regard to issues that must be covered. Skills training may also be conducted in communities so that residents would eventually become part of the community-based media organization.

Is there any advantage in particular that made you enjoy working for a community press?

Editing and writing for the community press gave me the opportunity to deeply analyze social reality. My interaction with different kinds of people deepened my social consciousness. For me, journalism becomes not a career that one must develop but a commitment that one must pursue.

A student from the Ateneo de Manila University asked me 10 questions on media coverage in war-torn areas. Please find below my answers.

What is the importance of media coverage in war-torn areas?

Aside from providing the necessary information to the public, media could serve as a deterrent to abuses that are wont to be committed by groups that are at war. Theoretically, non-combatants are assured of their safety and prisoners of war (POWs) are treated more humanely if the parties concerned are made aware of media’s presence.

What are the roles fulfilled by war journalists?

At a time of war, journalists should still practice accuracy, objectivity and fairness in their reportage. They should, at the same time, exercise extreme caution in going about their work. In particular, they should know when to pull out if ever the situation becomes too volatile or the group they are covering suddenly becomes extremely hostile to their presence. They should remember the age-old saying in journalism that “no story is worth dying for.”

Do you think media coverage in such areas should be restricted? Why?

Restrictions in media coverage are acceptable only if the authorities and journalists agree that media presence could jeopardize an operation and unnecessarily endanger the lives of combatants and non-combatants. Despite their duty to cover the war, journalists cannot allow themselves to be part of the news, as in the case of ending up, albeit unwittingly, as “human shields” or, most likely willingly, as “negotiators” during a standoff, for instance.

Do you think censorship conceals the truth? How come?

Censorship is unacceptable even if media organizations should maintain the highest professional and ethical standards. The truth should be reported, keeping in mind that journalists must remain critical of the official statements they get. They must always compare what they get from sources with what they observe on the ground.

Is it the public’s right to be able to view the reallity of the war through media? Why?

The public has the right to be informed, especially during a time of war. It is understandable for media organizations to sometimes fail in the delivery of news due to circumstances beyond their control. But they should try their best to get their message across, even if delayed.

How is society affected by the media coverage of war?

Media play a pivotal role in the public’s perception of the war, which is why they should be able to explain the context in a manner that is comprehensive and understandable. They cannot afford to give a “sports-like” coverage of the war where people become preoccupied with “who’s winning” and the “latest score” of casualties and injuries.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of media coverage in war-torn areas?

I cannot think of any disadvantages of media coverage in war-torn areas given media’s role in the shaping of public opinion. Media, in this context, should be allowed to fulfill their obligation to the people.

How can the release of graphic images in war be an eye-opener to society?

Images and footage of war provide evidence of what is being claimed and may also be used to expose the lies of so-called spin doctors who have their own agenda in projecting the war to suit certain interests.

What do journalists get from covering the news in times of conflict?

Journalists get the opportunity to fulfill their obligation in providing timely and relevant information. They put their lives on the line just to ensure that the people know what they need to know.

How can journalists become unbiased and professional toward the issue they are reporting?

Journalists need to have a firm grasp of the professional and ethical standards. They could get it through extensive training, meticulous reading and intensive practice.

I had actually written about the proposed FOIA in the recent past. You may find the links here:

• Proposed Freedom of Information Act and media repression (Dec. 15, 2009)
• Position paper on the proposed Freedom of Information Act (Feb. 18, 2009)

The details of my answers to the journalist’s three questions may be found in the two articles: Please read them to properly contextualize my general answers below.

How important is the right to information act to the country today?

I’m not too enthusiastic about the passage of the proposed FOIA because it could make things harder for journalists in gathering information. The crucial provisions on disclosure of confidential documents after a certain period of time is also absent. There is also no special provision in the handling of urgent inquiries of journalists who have deadlines to beat.

If ratified, what changes would it bring compared to previous media laws in the country? Were the media laws passed before not enough? Why not?

In my opinion, it provides an enabling law to the constitutional guarantee of freedom of information, which is good for the general public. The practice of the journalism profession, however, may be compromised due to the prescribed waiting period for processing requests for information. Media laws, in this context, are not strengthened and in fact weakened, depending on how the FOIA (once it’s passed into law) will be implemented by the next administration.

Do you feel any resistance in Congress regarding the bill’s ratification? Why or why not?

The resistance among legislators is rooted in their overall lack of transparency and accountability. The general public, as I said, would benefit from disclosure of selected government transactions.

Three journalists from the Philippines, Indonesia and Myanmar emailed a few questions about the media situation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Allow me to share my answers.

What is the overall media situation in the Philippines?

There exists a culture of impunity in the Philippines which gives rise to the killings and other forms of harassment and intimidation of journalists. Aside from extrajudicial killings, the government tries to creatively interpret laws like libel to silence dissent. Some legislators have also tried to introduce laws that suppress media like the so-called “right of reply” which essentially compromises editorial independence in the choice of what to publish or air.

The media situation remains bad. Recently, a journalist (Marites Vitug) received a death threat for a book she wrote about the Supreme Court. A government agency (Movie and Television Review and Classification Board) gave an X rating to two films that analyze poverty in the country and is critical of government policies. The details may be found in the recent statement I wrote titled “Resist the Arroyo-fication of media, culture and the arts.”

How did Philippines media report the Ampatuan massacre which claimed the lives of 58 people, including 32 journalists last November 23?

We saw the complementation of social networking sites (e.g., Twitter, Facebook) with media organizations on the day that the massacre happened as the initial information came from some concerned citizens who were not professional journalists. The days that followed showed interest in the massacre. There were efforts to sustain coverage with the establishment of the November 23 Movement consisting of both mainstream and alternative media, not to mention the activities that were held every 23rd of the month so that people would not forget. Unfortunately, the interest was unfortunately waning as the massacre took its 100th day last March 3. It is hoped that we will not forget about what happened and still fight for justice. Right now, our responsibility is not just to cover events but to also be part of the struggle to end the culture of impunity.

What is the situation of the ASEAN media?

The ASEAN press is as varied as the history, culture, and economic situation of its 10 member-countries. Based on press freedom data from the US-based Freedom House, the ASEAN press may be classified as “Not Free” because the political, legal and economic environments are not conducive to the practice of the journalism profession.

ASEAN journalists are generally repressed. Censorship comes in various forms and may be directly or indirectly done by the governments. The killing of journalists is the highest form of censorship, a situation that happens mainly in the Philippines though Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand had their share of media killings from 1992 to 2009, based on data from the US-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

You’ve met some journalists from Myanmar. What is your impression of them?

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting young journalists from Myanmar who are dedicated to the responsible practice of the profession. They are also very eager to know the experience of other journalists. If and when they become gatekeepers of information (i.e., as editors or station managers of their media organizations), they could make a difference in professionalizing the media in Myanmar by helping raise the standards of journalism there. It is also hoped that they would also help in fighting for press freedom in Myanmar.

What are the responsibilities of journalists when the political situation becomes volatile, as in the case of Myanmar and the Philippines?

The media help in the shaping of public opinion mainly through their news and public affairs programs. They serve as the people’s main sources of information in making sound decisions. Journalists must therefore engage in truth-telling at all times. Any changes in the political situation must be reported objectively and fairly as the people deserve nothing less. Their analyses of issues must be based not on hearsay but on facts. They should report in a sober manner and not let their emotions get in the way of the presentation of the issues.

As an educator and practicing journalist, I often get interviewed by students for academic requirements they are required to submit. The interviews usually cover a wide range of topics in the fields of media, communication and journalism. For those who can’t make the time to see me personally, we normally just correspond via email. Last March 5, a student emailed some questions on campus journalism and it is only now that I realized my failure to get back to her. Nevertheless, it’s never too late to answer her questions which I find to be both probing and timeless.

In a few words, what do you think is the role of the student press in a college community?

Just like the role of the press in society, the student press (or campus press) helps provide relevant information to students so that they could make informed decisions. There are so many issues confronting students. Campus journalists should help make sense of the reality not only by providing the data but also the analysis.

To borrow a mathematical equation, INFORMATION = DATA + ANALYSIS; where the term DATA refers to “observable reality” and the term ANALYSIS refers to the framework used in making sense of what one observes through any one or a combination of his or her five senses.

In changing times like ours where several distractions abound, how can the student press disseminate information effectively?

Ironically, the so-called distractions could also be the vehicles for information dissemination. Many of today’s youth (especially those in urban areas) spend a substantial amount of time in front of a computer. For those who use the latter for recreation, social media are indeed distractions. But social media could also be used to share relevant information to one’s defined network.

The challenge for campus journalists therefore is to not just confine themselves to the print medium. Their publications should maintain a Web presence. They should seriously consider opening accounts in popular social media like Facebook and Twitter and encourage their target audience (students) to be part of their “virtual groups.”

To become catalyst of change, what do you think is the characteristic or the characteristics a student journalist must possess?

In terms of writing skills, a campus journalist should be able to write well and to write fast. In terms of disposition, he or she should develop the “nose for news” or the ability to discern which is newsworthy in analyzing issues and events. But the ability to provide in-depth analyses comes a campus journalist’s understanding of the history and context of the prevailing social reality. Through a much deeper understanding of what is happening around him or her, a campus journalist is able to analyze the prevailing social contradictions, as well as realize the reasons for the age-old social conflicts.

In one way or another, student journalists are considered ‘torch bearers’ of the college community. What advice can you give to aspiring student journalist to become real ‘torch bearers’ by correctly distinguishing ‘truth’ from those that might disguise as ‘truth’?

They are torch bearers in the sense that they try to shed light on issues. As regards the latter, there should be no distinction between local and national issues, but simply issues that affect, directly or indirectly, the lives of students. In the discussion of issues, what makes campus journalists different from their so-called professional counterparts is their duty to relate all issues to their respective communities.

A discussion of low wages, for example, should take into account how students are affected by having an equally lower allowance. In other words, campus journalists should not try to imitate the discussion in, say, the mainstream media where analyses are often done in the context of a much broader audience. The main responsibility of campus journalists is to their communities, and their analyses must therefore have that necessary focus.

Campus journalists must therefore keep in mind their role in their respective schools. To become real torch bearers, they should help open the minds of students to the situation not only on campus but also in society as a whole. Truth-telling is fulfilled when they are able to present both the data and the analysis of issues.

A handful of factors surrounding the student press might influence them not to disclose the truth. This could be happening at this very moment. Do you think student journalists today are still possessing the courage to fight for the truth? Or are they easily manipulated by their environment?

I personally know campus journalists both in high school and college who know how to fight for their rights. At the same time, there are those who get harassed and intimidated by school officials. By joining student organizations that promote and uphold campus press freedom, campus journalists are better guided not only in going about their work but also in helping fight for their rights. What’s important to stress at this point is that campus press freedom is integral to student rights. Related to this, campus journalist should see themselves as part of the student movement and not separate from it.

What do you think is the impact of Internet on journalism over the next five years in the Philippines? Will it be helpful or detrimental?

Notwithstanding the current limited reach of the Internet, we expect the number of active Internet users in the Philippines to exponentially increase (as it did in the past) even if the Internet will not likely reach half of the population. Social networking sites like Facebook will remain to be popular. Internet access through mobile phones will become more popular, although this will be confined to those with high purchasing power. In this context, the practice of journalism will still incorporate the opportunities provided by the new media either as one of the tools of the trade (e.g., mobile phone, digital camera), sources of information, or tips for potential stories (relevant status updates or tweets).

In a sense, the Internet will be helpful because it facilitates faster communication. The downside is the reliability of information shared on the Net which can be easily solved by the journalists’ constant checking of its provenance and accuracy.

Do you think it will affect how journalists go about with their jobs? How?

Journalists will be all the more challenged to straddle the different forms of media. In the same way that the new media cannot be dismissed as just a passing fancy of the youth, the traditional media still have their own functions in reaching out to various audiences. Of course, it’s also necessary to maintain the same high professional and ethical standards because of the temptation provided by the new media like immediate uploading of stories even if the data are not yet verified. Only an ethical journalist would know the mistake of doing so since he or she does not have a “scoop” mentality (i.e., in the context of new media, “commit mistake now, correct later.”)

Will it change how Filipinos get their news? How?

I sincerely doubt that print journalism will die in the next five years as a result of new media. In the case of traditional broadcast journalism (radio and television), we are seeing its integration with the new media as the term “broadcast” is being re-defined to include webcasting (streaming audio and video). As stated previously, there still exists a limited reach of the Internet though it is possible that the Internet-savvy generation of the youth would start depending on getting information from the Web, either through the websites of media organizations, aggregates, or social networking sites.

In your opinion, will it affect how media outfits get revenue? In what ways?

Media organizations are now changing their strategies in generating profits. If Rupert Murdoch were to have his way, he would charge fees for content that online visitors want to read in his news media websites. We might see the prevalence of stealth advertising or product placement on the Net in the next few years, a situation that is already happening on radio and television.

Finally, compared to other countries, how well do you think will Philippine journalism be able to adapt to the Internet age?

The presence of mainstream and alternative media is already evident in the new media, and the Philippines proves to be an interesting case study. The country’s history helped shape the media into what they are right now, as EDSA 2, for example, gave rise to alternative publications like Kodao Productions, Bulatlat and Pinoy Weekly.

Just like their counterparts in other countries, Filipino journalists generally seem to adapt very well to the Net as blogs, social networking sites and most other features of the Web are user-friendly. They, along with other computer-literate Filipinos, therefore find it easy to use new media. Whether or not journalists can effectively use new media, however, in their profession is another matter. But it is good to know that there is an increasing number of journalists who maintain blogs, for example, to reach out to a wider audience.

What is the SOP before a story or article is approved for printing? Is there a verification committee who checks all the facts in the story?  How is it done?

The vetting of stories is done by the editors. A copy editor focuses mainly on the form (grammar, syntax and diction) while the desk editors are responsible for both form and content. Depending on the media organizations, there are different kinds of editors which function as gatekeepers — editor-in-chief, associate editors, managing editor, section editors (e.g., news, opinion, sports, entertainment), city editor, among others. Fact-checking is a shared responsibility of both reporters and editors. Concerned readers also do fact-checking whenever they write letters to the editor, though such function is done after the fact.

If there are any complaints from readers, how is it addressed? Are the methods of handling complaints similar to all?

Aggrieved parties could send feedback (e.g., letters to the editor) to the concerned news media organization. If the latter fails to act on the complaint (usually done through publication of the complaint and/or a formal reply), one can complain to media groups like the Philippine Press Institute (if the print publication is a member) or the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (if the broadcast organization is a member). Media monitoring agencies like the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) may also be approached. If the complaint is meritorious, it is possible for the CMFR to investigate and write about the complaint. The handling of complaints could differ depending on the media organization. The Philippine Daily Inquirer, for example, has a Reader’s Advocate who can directly receive and handle complaints from readers.

You have mentioned self-regulation in your blog and you said that it could be done in various levels including the level of media audiences, how exactly can the consumers (i.e., the regular Juan de la Cruz) aid in the process of media self-regulation?

It’s necessary for audiences to be more active in terms of demanding a relevant and transformative media. They should consider organizing themselves into media advocacy groups (something that’s practically non-existent in the Philippines right now) whose aim is to monitor media content and make the necessary recommendations. If media organizations fail to live up to the audiences’ reasonable expectations and demands, such media advocacy groups could initiate creative campaigns to expose such failures, as in the case of boycott campaigns done by consumer advocacy groups.

Would you think it is possible for all media organizations to organize themselves and form an entity which creates and implements rules to combat abusive media among others – rules with corresponding penalty to be effective? Or maybe could we require organizations to join groups like KBP where rules to deter abuse are in place.

Professional and ethical standards in the practice of journalism are already existent. Legislating such standards would be anathema to press freedom as this could be subject to abuse by the powers-that-be and other interest groups. Unethical practices in media organizations are better handled through self-regulatory mechanisms like PPI and KBP. They actually impose sanctions on erring member-organizations. The basic challenge therefore is to strengthen self-regulation in media and not to resort to legislation to solve the problems besetting media practice.

There is a proposal to create an organized media advocacy group that will regulate and monitor the media for any errors or abuses – how does this work? Doesn’t this seem an impossible task to leave to just one committee, how can they assure that the interests of all persons who are attacked by the media are sufficiently protected?

Concerned media audiences should establish organizations with the main objective of monitoring media content (e.g., TV programs) and then identifying their strengths and weaknesses. The mandate could be as specific as looking for evidence of “stealth advertising” or as general as analyzing the separation of commentary and factual presentation. The members of the media advocacy group should know how to conduct media research (e.g., how to compute time allotment, how to spot stealth advertising) and should be willing to devote time and effort in monitoring the journalistic outputs of news media organizations. One group can never be enough, so having several media advocacy groups with varied mandates/objectives are preferred. There is no assurance that all interests of media audiences will be properly represented, hence the need for a critical mass of audiences to engage in organizing work.

Do you think there is a need for a right of reply bill (RORB)?

The proposed “right of reply” is not just an editorial nightmare but an affront to press freedom. Audiences have the inherent right to reply to one-sided or irresponsible reportage. Self-regulatory mechanisms are already in place to ensure that their complaints are properly addressed. Any weaknesses of such mechanisms should not be taken to mean it is time for legislation to take over.

What do you think of the proposal to replace the libel bill with the right of reply bill?

Libel and the proposed right of reply are two different things. There is in fact a proposal to amend the libel law by decriminalizing libel. Another argument is that the libel law should be repealed altogether.

If the scope of the bill was narrowed following the reply laws of some European countries i.e., replies could only be made to address factual errors but not to comment on opinions that the reader doesn’t like, that the reply should be given similar prominence while not necessarily be printed or aired in the same position as the original article. Would you be more amenable to such a bill?

The issue is fundamental: Why should we legislate media practice? Why should there be a law that, in effect, imposes upon news media organizations what should be published or aired? “Similar prominence” and “factual errors,” even if they are easily understood, are subjective terms and are therefore subject to abuse by the powers-that-be.

If ever, in what instance would you think a RORB to be plausible? What if its a proposal from concerned groups/citizen and not a product of personal pique?

Part of the responsibility of media is to raise the people’s consciousness. Just because certain audiences are demanding certain media content does not mean that the news media would give in. Reporting is not a populist endeavor. Published or aired reports, in theory, help in the shaping of public opinion. Armed with the knowledge of media literacy, I think that well-informed audiences can make reasonable demands to news media to provide the content that people need instead of what they want.

Gaano nakaapekto ang namamayaning tradisyon ng paggamit ng Ingles sa print media sa pagkakatali ng paggamit ng Filipino sa tabloid?

Mahalaga ang epektibong paggamit ng sariling wika sa midya para sa pambansang pagkakaisa at pagbubuo ng pambansang kamalayan. Dahil ang peryodismo sa wikang Filipino ay mas naiuugnay sa tinatawag na “yellow journalism” na makikita sa mga tabloid at ilang programa sa telebisyon, napapababa nito ang pangkalahatang pagtingin sa pambansang wika. Kung iuugnay ito sa polisiya ng pamahalaan (at ilang eskuwelahan) na bigyang prayoridad ang Ingles sa halip na Filipino, hindi na nakakagulat ang pagkakaroon ng mentalidad ng maraming Pilipino, lalo na ang mga nasa kapangyarihan, na mas mainam na matutuhan ang Ingles kaysa Filipino.

Ano ang bentahe at disbentahe ng paggamit ng Filipino sa print at sa kabuuan ng midya?

Kung gagamitin ang sariling wika, mas maiintindihan ng maraming Pilipino ang mensaheng nais ihatid. Makakatulong din ito sa pagbubuo ng pambansang identidad.

Masasabing disbentahe ang paggamit ng sariling wika sa mga dayuhang nais maintindihan ang ating midya. Pero pundamental na usapin kung para kanino ba ang midya ng Pilipinas. Mainam ngang maintindihan tayo ng lahat (Pilipino’t dayuhan) pero kailangang magbigay tayo ng kaukulang prayoridad sa sariling kababayan. Maaaring magkaroon ng kompromisong may ilang seksyon/programa sa midya na gumagamit ng wikang Ingles, pero dapat na nakakapangibabaw ang wikang Filipino.

Nagsagawa kayo ng isang pag-aaral na nangailangan ng pagmo-monitor ng mga newscast sa telebisyon sa isang takdang panahon (eleksiyon, kung di ako nagkakamali). Sa mga programang ito, gaano kasinsin ang paggamit ng Pilipino?

Sa dalawang pag-aaral tungkol sa pagkober ng midya sa eleksiyon noong 2004 at 2007 na kung saan naging bahagi ako, kapansin-pansin ang paggamit ng wikang Filipino sa primetime TV news. Nakatulong ang paggamit ng sariling wika sa pagpapakalat ng impormasyon sa mamamayan. Pero may ilang kahinaan sa pagbibigay ng konteksto at pagpapalalim ng pagsusuri sa mga isyu. Hindi rin masyadong natalakay ang mga plataporma dahil mas binigyang-pansin ang mga personalidad at karakter ng mga kandidato. Sa pangkalahatan, ang paggamit ng wikang Filipino sa midya noong panahong iyon ay kumikiling sa sensasyonal, tsismis at trivia.

Sa print media, ano ang mga obserbasyon ninyo sa paggamit ng wika ng mga mamamahayag sa Filipino?

Mas nagagamit ang wikang Filipino sa mga tabloid na may oryentasyong magbalita lang ng mga tungkol sa krimen, tsismis at trivia. Ang “yellow journalism” na ito ay naipapakalat sa mas maraming Pilipino dahil sa paggamit ng sariling wika, bukod pa sa murang halaga ng isang isyu ng tabloid.

Pero dahil sa mga tabloid na ito, ang opinyong pampubliko tungkol sa peryodismo sa wikang Filipino ay mas naiuugnay lang sa “yellow journalism.” Nakakalungkot na hindi nakikita ang potensyal ng sariling wika sa pagpapataas ng panlipunang diskurso.

Anu-ano ang mga problemang kailangang tugunan, kung pagsusulat sa Filipino ang pag-uusapan?

Pangunahing salik ang oportunidad na maaaring ibigay sa mga peryodistang nais gumamit ng wikang Filipino. Kumpara sa maraming broadsheet at magasing nakasulat sa wikang Ingles, halimbawa, limitado lang kasi ang maaaring pagsulatan sa wikang Filipino. At bagama’t maraming programa sa radyo’t telebisyon na gumagamit ng wikang Filipino, kailangan ding suriin kung paano ginagamit ang sariling wika sa diskusyon ng mga isyu. Kung nagiging mababaw lang, halimbawa, ang pagsusuri at mas binibigyang-pansin ang tsismis at trivia, hindi nakakatulong ang mga programang ito sa pagpapayaman ng sariling wika.

Gaano kalaki ang maitutulong ng isang stylebook para matugunan ang mga suliraning ito?

May malaking maitutulong ang isang stylebook pero mas mahalaga ang oryentasyon ng mismong organisasyong pang-midya. Kung may problema sa huli, magiging bale-wala ang anumang stylebook dahil mapapatibay lang nito ang isang mali.

Sa inyong tingin, gaano kahalaga ang papel ng pagpapalaganap ng masinsing paggamit ng wikang Filipino sa pagbaka sa pamamayani ng paggamit ng Ingles sa print media?

Marami nang pagtatangka noong magkaroon ng broadsheet sa wikang Filipino pero hindi ito nagtatagumpay. Maraming dahilan kung bakit mahirap magkaroon ng isang broadsheet sa wikang Filipino. Una, ang halaga ng broadsheet ay para lang sa mga nasa gitna’t nakatataas na uring mas pamilyar sa wikang Ingles dahil sa klase ng sistema ng edukasyong mayroon ang Pilipinas. Ikalawa, walang lakas ng loob ang mga kapitalistang gumamit ng wikang Filipino dahil hindi ito ang “pormula” para kumita nang malaki sa print media. Ikatlo (at may kaugnayan ito sa ikalawang punto), hindi naman tinitingnan ng mga may-ari ang organisasyong pang-midya bilang instrumento ng pagmumulat kaya wala sa konsepto nila ang papel ng Filipino sa panlipunang diskurso.

Ang stylebook ay para sa Pinoy Weekly. Ano-ano ang mga bagay na maaaring idagdag sa gabay sa istilo bukod sa mga batayang patakaran (hal. sa grammar, ispeling, tambilang, pagbabantas) upang maipakita ang karakter nito at ideal na isinusulong nito?

Kailangang mapatingkad ang kaibahan ng Pinoy Weekly sa iba pang tabloid o organisasyong pang-midya. Para sa mga may-ari ng midya o patnugot na nais gumamit ng wikang Filipino, kailangang malinaw kung bakit nararapat na gawing modelo ang Pinoy Weekly sa pagsusulong ng makabuluhang peryodismo.