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.