Checking on press freedom
It is timely that the United Nations special rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression Irene Khan is in the country to check on the state of press freedom. She arrived at a time where this concept is rather bleak, only enjoyed by those who are spared from the wrath of the current administration. The chilling effect of press freedom started in the previous administration whose president called out media entities that seemed to disgust him. With the help of his online army and avid supporters, former president Rodrigo Duterte toppled down one of the biggest networks.
Two years after his term, his program is facing the brink of indefinite suspension due to allegations that the platform is being used to incite spite. It is also allegedly peddling false information by making their audience believe in whatever propaganda they need to spread. Unfortunately, there are still those who fall for these schemes as they are blinded by their liking to the former populist leader.
This network's legal counsels are arguing on the basis of a free press and free expression. However, they seem to have forgotten the big responsibility that comes with their power. In academic terms, there is a concept of journalistic authority, inherent to a media entity. This authority should not be abused by all means but instead be used for the greater good. That is, if we are all in the same terms in defining what the greater good is.
The Cebuano press is rather free and continues to deliver stories that are based on facts. A recent issue stemmed from a seemingly-sensationalized report, using alleged wrong descriptions of a dead person. While there are ethical standards that need to be followed, there is always a balance between giving what the audience wants vis-a-vis adhering to guidelines. Some issues on reportage could be settled internally, not necessarily a whip of shame to persons who are just trying their best to deliver their jobs.
Khan is expected to also visit Cebu in the coming days. Members of the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines have consolidated their reports on violations of press freedom. I would have wanted to write the instance where I was harassed online by an anonymous person but I chose to let it slide. There are pressing issues that need to be addressed such as killings, bashing, discrimination, and being canceled.
I'm quite hopeful that this bleak atmosphere will soon turn bright. Despite the presence of content creators who often pose as journalists, those who identify themselves as "legitimate" continue to press on. In fact, the trends in storytelling also changed. Journalists are now adopting the use of multimedia to convey information. When Marshall McLuhan said "the medium is the message”, it also entailed adapting to what the audience wanted to consume. I always remind the young to K.I.S.S. or to keep it short and simple. As long as we recognize the freedom we enjoy, it'll be retained within us.