Can government TV, radio be independent?
Most people little noticed a segment in President Duterte’s Sona last July 25, which mentioned about converting PTV4 and Radyo ng Bayan into BBC-type of media operation.
How can government media be untethered from political interests of those in power? Past presidents planned to privatize state media but all failed and political agenda prevailed. Somehow, they soon realized they needed their own radio and TV to help the administration spread its messages.
People pay
And Duterte would pattern the overhaul into the British Broadcasting Corp. model. BBC’s charter and agreement guarantee “truth, accuracy, impartiality and editorial integrity and independence.” British people pay for BBC, not the government; thus, its independence.
That’s the tougher part in the Philippine setting: requiring each taxpayer to pay a license for his TV or cable. If Pinoys won’t accept the burden, an “independent” state media will have to compete with private media for ad revenue.
"Ito ang gusto ko -- total pera naman ng tao -- to observe editorial independence through intelligent programs and enlightening news and commentary." -- President Duterte, in his July 25 Sona