The young ones in this craft
It was the second Saturday that we spent our mornings teaching in a public school. We taught the students the basics of broadcasting, our insights on media literacy and showed them a glimpse of how it is to be in our world - the industry that we believed would hopefully shape public opinion. Twice in a row, at the end of every talk, they would thank us and take photos with us. As they left, they would leave us a remark of their interest to be like us someday, journalists in this most interesting time.
I would always tell them to keep going and persevere so they can attain their dreams. It has always been my habit to be frank with these aspirants, that apart from the feeling of being fulfilled, the monetary exchange isn’t as appealing as it looks like. That being said, they promised that they will do their best to soon become the next generation of storytellers.
Young as they are, they are filled with idealistic thoughts; those that would define themselves even if it may sound too cliché. The most popular one though is being the “watchdog of the government.” I know that they get excited at the thought of being able to get up close and personal with a politician or a well-known celebrity. There is another type of fire that fuels to them to correct the wrong in today’s society.
With a quick reality check, I run in my mind the current experiences to date. There are many controversies hounding this administration and the best response has been to be mum. To some extent an analysis is welcome but the general cloud these days is fear: Fear of being taken down and accused of something that someone did not do. It is far from being under martial law, but getting there as the moments pass.
What makes the cliché ironic is the fact that the whole industry will be celebrating press freedom month on September. It will be the time to gather once again as media practitioners and supposedly practice the freedom granted to us. Yet there is no freedom if we are being dictated what to ask, how to tackle the story, and what issues to bring to the table. I guess, four years into this industry, I realize that ideas in the books only get you so far. Far enough not to understand the reality that we live in.
I do hope that what we are going through will not discourage the next generations of journalists. It requires one to be tough to last in this field. I keep praying that one day a new breed will surface, embodying all the lessons learned in school. It may sound too corny but the truth is that we need people in the media who are also true to their craft. With the great interest being shown now, I know that it won’t take long for them to soar.
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