(“Role Of Media” image from PTV News, ptvnews.ph)
Ms Inez speaks of media’s accepted role. Which is not acceptable to me!
I write based on a self-taught & self-styled journalism born 16 April 1975 starting employment by the Forest Research Institute (FORI), based in the campus of UP Los Baños, where I became the Founder & Editor In Chief of FORI’s monthly newsletter Canopy, quarterly technical journal Sylvatrop, and quarterly color magazine Habitat.
Thinking back with what Ms Inez just said, 47 years ago I was “speaking truth to people withoutpower!” Was my journalism less?
I quote Ms Inez’ first paragraph in full:
Freedom of speech is invoked so carelessly, it has become wrongly equated with speaking without accountability. Of equal concern, given recent events, is press freedom. Press freedom, however, is not simply allowing lies to flourish in the media. True freedom rests on the journalistic responsibilities of adhering to ethical standards, objective collection of data, and speaking truth to power.
Others, media for justice: “We seek to change the media to transform democracy to realize a just society” – Craig Arron & Jessica J Gonzalez, Co-CEO, Free Press (2003? freepress.net).
Me, Media for development: The journalism I have practiced for 47 years is Development Journalism: “Communication for Village Development in the 21st Century (CoViD21).”
If your journalism does not support social development, I will not support it!
Janet Steele, in her bookEncyclopedia of Journalism, explains it (2009, Editor: Christopher H Sterling, academia.edu):
Development journalism is a type of reporting and writing on topics related to the process of economic development. Its supporters define it as independent journalism that highlights news of development projects, provides critical coverage of development planning and programs, and informs readers of how the development process is affecting them.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha says, “The press and public must unite… [It is] important for all to proceed with reforms and move the country forward” (30 June 2022, “PM Coy On Political Future, Cultivates Media,” Bangkok Post, bangkokpost.com).
That is so important I want to repeat it boldly:
“It is important for all to proceed with reforms and move the country forward” – Prayut Chan-O-Cha.
The Prime Minister of Thailand understands the proper role of journalism but not the Thai journalists themselves!
In his inaugural speech, among other things President Ferdinand “BBM” Marcos Jr said:
When my call for unity started to resonate with you, it did so because it echoed your yearning, mirrored your sentiments, and expressed your hopes for family, for country and for a better future.
Journalists, take a cue from BBM on what your journalism is best for: “for family, for country and for a better future.”
“All media for the good of all!”@517
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