Blocking media

As the tension surrounding the arrest of the former president continues to subside, the accusations against legitimate media have worsened. I came across staunch supporters of the former administration proudly stating that they have blocked news pages on social media. They even asked if they had missed any other outlets to add to their list. While we understand that this is, once again, part of their freedom to choose the type of information that reaches them, it is honestly quite alarming.

Once an individual advocates for others to boycott legitimate media, we are left with sources that do not adhere to any ethical standards. The audience is left with options that are not part of the established legacy --sources that could either be one-sided or outright propaganda, all aimed at persuading viewers toward a specific agenda. This, in effect, subtly discredits journalists who work hard to report the truth. And it's not just about the journalists --it's about the entire newsroom that supports these operations, composed of individuals who deeply understand what news is supposed to be about.

Now is the time for alternative media and campus publications to rise. This also includes church-run outlets, which are often untouched by supporters of both sides of the issue. We recall what happened during the martial law era, when most of the major media companies were silenced and ordered to shut down by the government. It was the religious press that took up the challenge, using their platform to inform the public. The call is clear: advocates of true and legitimate journalism must unite to bring their stories back to the general public.

On the other hand, the media should also take this opportunity to assess their reportage and consider what may have caused them to lose their audience. There was a time when the press had people sitting on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the latest updates on developing stories. Today, audiences either do not care or have shifted their trust to content creators instead. This could be because people now seek out information that aligns with their own perspectives. The concept of balanced reporting is being eroded, thanks to the unchecked freedom of speech we now exercise on the internet.

Rebuilding public trust in mainstream media will take a significant effort. However, this responsibility does not fall solely on journalists. It must also come from the community and educational institutions. I commend certain schools and organizations that continue to uphold and teach media literacy. Ultimately, this is what it boils down to --an individual's capacity to process and understand information from various platforms, especially online.

I still put my faith in legitimate journalism. There is no need to block credible news sources simply because their reports lean toward the truth. If anything, consuming diverse and credible information is the only way to free ourselves from the web of lies we are often exposed to. If we shut them out, we blind ourselves to the reality beyond our own echo chambers.