Veteran journalist says, Corruption in media is difficult to prove

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — A veteran broadcast journalist of a national television network acknowledged Friday that corruption in media is hard to prove, even if personally she has some indications to determine whether a journalist is indeed corrupt.

Gigi Grande, news editor and reporter of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation, aired these views during a forum, spearheaded by the College of Mass Communication of Silliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, on Friday, as part of the celebration of MassComm Week.

Grande told the students that there is no study on corruption in the media. But she said there are signs that anyone could easily determine whether a media practitioner is taking bribe money or payola or even “gifts” from politicians and other news sources in exchange for a story pitch in their favor.

“One indication would be a lifestyle change, or the ‘biglang yaman’ (sudden wealth) kind of thing, she said.

A reporter or any media practitioner who would start out with a simple lifestyle but then suddenly owns a high-end car, travels to expensive places, and enjoys some luxuries in a short period of time could be subject to a lifestyle check, she explained.

"I believe there are those who accept (money for promoting content) but I don’t have proof. I don’t have a direct answer,” Grande told the student who asked her about the issue. She added that corruption happens everywhere, and not just with editors and the media.

Grande agreed with an observation from a local reporter, who acted as a reactor during the forum, that journalists are not well compensated for their jobs, not only in the provinces but even in big cities.

That is why Grande said she has two jobs, even as she admitted that at one point in her career, when she was much younger, somebody attempted to bribe her by giving her an envelope with a wad of cash, which she attested she did not accept.

Grande also gave tips to MassComm students from various schools in Dumaguete City on responsible media, especially in the age of social media and fake news and alternative truths. “Critical thinking is a must, and one must double check and verify information before believing it or sharing it online,” she said.

Research skills would also be a big help for journalists to obtain the correct information and share the right content with their audience. Finally, a reporter must also have the courage to ask tough questions, and “ignore” threats, harassment and bullying from trolls and bashers online, she said.

Grande also admitted that reporters “make mistakes” and that is why there is bad news because of sloppy work, biased reporting, having an agenda and lacking research. She advised that reporters must have the courage and humility to allow their stories to be subject for editing before they go on air or get printed. (FREEMAN)