Media today
It's that time of the year again when we, from the media, get all so giddy because we are to celebrate the freedom of the press.
Back in the day, year 1972 censorship was implemented over different media outlets. There was a news block out that placed the people in total blindness about what was really going on in the country. But human as we are, there were individuals who looked for options thus, there was the Radyo Veritas. And the rest is history.
This information is very basic to a mass communication student. During our first year, the events of the martial law had to be instilled in our heads. Today, we are taught to be thankful for what has happened. If it were not for the people revolution, which united the whole nation, we would still be shackled to the harsh reality of martial law.
I could only imagine if martial law was still present today. It would be a very big challenge for the media to scavenge for information vital to society. It would be like a big hurdle to jump over while looking around to see if anyone is at it to hunt you down.
Amidst the colorful shirts and noise that were heard during the parade, I wonder if the people of the press do remember the essence of this celebration.
More so to the future journalists who will also be enjoying this week as well, they should also be aware of this fact. I remember those fora that we used to attend when I was still a student in college. Every time a reporter or editor spoke in front of us, me and my classmates squiggle in excitement at their experiences during the martial law.
Media is very easy today. With one click you are able to broadcast information to the whole world without anybody out to catch you for what you wrote (unless otherwise). The internet is both a big help and a challenge. Mainstream journalists are at par with ordinary citizens who are concerned.
People now are confused to believe in: veteran journalists who wait for crunch time before giving the information or citizen journalists who can send information at the blink of an eye? The bottom line is that facts must be accurate, balanced and credible. These are the ABCs of journalism. For me, there is no need to remove citizen journalists. In fact, they compliment journalists who are on the ground everyday. Their posts on the internet help reporters find the outlook of the day while reports seen on print and heard on radio or tv help netizens set the agenda online.
This is media today, a collaborative engagement between people in and out of the news. Gone are the days of exclusivity of stories. Every one of us has an interesting story to tell and it deserves to be heard.
With martial law gone and the new media being on the rise, I challenge the youth to be on the lookout for sectors that are unheard not being limited to the city. They may go out and explore. Every person needs to be heard. They, too, can become the voice of those who not have the means to speak for themselves.
As each day of the week unfolds, an activity will be held to teach and mold the next generation. Setting competition aside, let us all invest on those who need to be nurtured. The real world is totally different from what is inside the school. That is why this week means a lot to communication students.
On a parting note, let us all be vigilant journalists - careful for the young are watching our every move. Congratulations to all winners and happy press freedom week!
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