Keepers of Truth

A press under pressure is a democracy at stake.

The media or press have always been responsible in shaping the perspectives of the people and their consciousness to what is happening around them. Apart from providing facts on events accurately and impartially, journalists also present different interpretations, different pictures, about the issues being reported.

In a Democratic country like the Philippines, the press serves as the eye, the ear and the voice of the people. The eye and ear for they circulate news and information on local and national happenings, and the voice for they serve as an avenue for multiple voices and ideas to be heard. Before, the traditional media (newspaper, radio and TV) were the best platform for information, then came the new media breaking down the original concepts and rules of the traditional media. However, the new or social media is not really a threat to the old media because the challenge for journalists today is how to quickly and effectively combat misinformation and disinformation.

 The social media is a universe wherein people share their different views and opinions on relevant issues. Most of the Filipinos in the online world have this tendency to pass on posts, especially if it is from someone famous, to their other friends without really reading it. Without contemplating on the post’s accuracy. And there is also the proliferation of fake news on the internet. These blurred down the line between what is fact and what is merely an opinion or a propaganda.

Another challenge for the journalists today is the President’s hostility towards the media. Although the current administration has not restricted the press’ freedom from releasing news, no matter how against it is to the government, his words still found a way to make people lose trust in the media and put pressure on the journalists, especially those who have been critical on the “war on drugs”. Media people are receiving all sorts or harassments and threats, be it physical or virtual. Yet, all of those challenges drive them to work efficiently and more responsibly.

More than ever, this is a time the mission of journalism is needed the most. This is a time to stand by with the people who would sift out the lies away from the facts, who would redress wrong judgments, who would hold the authority accountable. This is a time to stick up for the freedom of the press in order to protect the people’s freedom of expression, and freedom of information. / Loreine Kyra Lebumfacil