Hi. Today, I am more than happy to talk to you. Yes you.As one of the next generation's journalists, knowing that some of us will be in Print Media; who knows maybe the next editor-in-chief of The Manila Bulletin, or in Broadcast Media; the next News Anchor of TV Patrol or CNN, or maybe some of you will be one of the bravest ready-to-go cameraman who tapes news clips to serve the people of the world, or a producer of a News Program who leads the live broadcast. Some of us will be serving news as a journalist online with our own websites or work in Rappler. Please let me rant about few things we should remember, journalist or not. --- The pen is still mightier than a sword.
I remember when my mom’s office mate asked me about Ateneo’s Social Journalism Strand. “So you really want to be part of the Media?” stressing the word “Media” like it is a bad thing, too sad because today it is really a bad thing that we should never set aside like it is just... nothing, because it is the reason why you guys are here. It is not unplanned that you are here reading and still reading this rant because for me you guys are born to do whatever you want to do and that is something about serving the world with fair and responsible journalism.
Now from the first place, do you know why I am ranting like an old person here? Have you encountered people with bad perspective to journalists and young journalists? --- Because I did. And it went bloody. That day, I fought back and told my mom “Hindi ako magiging tulad nila.” They all laughed back and told me, “Hindi pa.” It is really sad to think that people see journalists as "bayaran".
We are not "bayaran."
You are not going to sell your name, your dignity, and the power of your pen in exchange of bigotry. You know what to do. We don’t need wiki How; just put in your mind, heart and soul that someday you will be someone that will deliver news throughout the world. It is your responsibility as a teacher to deliver right news to your students and be a model of honesty because every dreams start inside that 4- cornered room. It is your responsibility as a writer to be fair and know what to write. It is your responsibility as a news anchor or field reporter to know what right word to say. It is your responsibility as a cameraman to know how to turn off a camera if the broadcast is violating laws and because you know it is not right and if it projects dishonesty. Let’s stop the worldview for journalists as both heroes and villain because we are supposed to be heroes. Let us stop the cycle of irresponsible journalism that pollutes our national conversation.
You are not going to sell your name, your dignity, and the power of your pen in exchange of bigotry. You know what to do. We don’t need wiki How; just put in your mind, heart and soul that someday you will be someone that will deliver news throughout the world. It is your responsibility as a teacher to deliver right news to your students and be a model of honesty because every dreams start inside that 4- cornered room. It is your responsibility as a writer to be fair and know what to write. It is your responsibility as a news anchor or field reporter to know what right word to say. It is your responsibility as a cameraman to know how to turn off a camera if the broadcast is violating laws and because you know it is not right and if it projects dishonesty. Let’s stop the worldview for journalists as both heroes and villain because we are supposed to be heroes. Let us stop the cycle of irresponsible journalism that pollutes our national conversation.
And before you continue scrolling down on twitter, facebook and instagram, I hope that you learned something today. Always remember, wherever you are or whatever profession you are into always remember the Art of Fair and Responsible Journalism because this is more than any arts, this is the Art of Honesty, Justice, Freedom, Humaneness and Stewardship that a person must possess not only Journalists. Don't forget about it and maybe someday in the future let’s meet and have a cup of coffee in your free time. For now, let’s do our PTs so we can work our ass off sooner and help to make a change.
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