The relevance of press freedom

Just recently, the Philippine Center of Investigative Journalists gathered over a hundred journalists across the country. It was a conference on the latest journalism trends and practices especially after we have come out of the pandemic. Among the issues discussed included integrating new digital formats for storytelling, the use of artificial intelligence, and the lack of community stories. However, the most pressing topic that was extensively discussed was the relevance of media in today's society.

It felt like a trick question, as the pool of journalists tried to pick their heads for the answer. It is indeed difficult to gauge relevance in how the landscape has already evolved. We have moved past traditional formats of radio, television, and print. Media has now transcended beyond convergence into digital means. It has made itself a different form on new platforms by quickly adapting to what the audience wants. Today, it is all about common language; speaking how the viewers understand.

The media continues to be relevant as it is an important pillar of society. Democracy thrives on information and the right to it. It is nearly impossible to do it if it is constantly threatened, harassed, and silenced. Reporters without borders reported that the Philippines has a low press freedom index. This means the media continues to be displaced not only by the government itself but by its audience. It is plagued by apathy and news avoidance --both concepts that remain a challenge for anyone to answer.

Without a free press, we are like blind individuals who do not know the truth. Power comes with knowing the truth and only then are our rights asserted. This is exactly why we fall into an atmosphere of having little to no concern of what is going on in our country. There is little appreciation of the reports today while other media outfits also survive through small budgets.

Regardless of the situation, the press in the Philippines continues to fight for its rights. Our Constitution has enshrined provisions to keep its purpose alive. While there are those that try to trample on individuals who write for the truth and tell the stories of the voiceless, the fire and passion remain. We are committed to bringing service to the Filipinos. The whole country deserves to know.

My only wish is that we are able to have a government that knows the role of journalism in society. The trust of the people to these gatekeepers should be brought back. They schooled and learned in the field. Media understands the responsibility it has to the people; let alone being accountable for everything they say. The manner of telling the stories may change, including its mode of dissemination. Today it is all about collaboration as there is strength in unity. As a united front, the media presses on and bears the hits of its challenges. One thing is for sure, we will not waste the legacy left to us when we were given the freedom decades ago.