Putting herself in her own report
JEERS TO GMA-7 reporter Tricia Zafra for making herself part of the story.
āBuhay kolehiyo, nakakapagpabago sa buhay ng isang indibidwal (College life changes an individual)ā was aired on State of the Nation with Jessica Soho on June 17 and Balitanghali on June 18.Ā
It featured the stories of a transgender woman, a shy student who became class valedictorian, and a third year student in search of his personal identity. The report focused on how people find themselves during their years in collegeāwhen experiences help build personalities and improve skills. It also included an interview with a Commission on Higher Education official.Ā
The report was timely and relatable, since most college classes began this week. But what ruined it was Zafraās insistence in putting herself in the story:
āTahimik ako noong college at walang mag-aakala na magiging reporter ako after. Pagbalik ko ng eskwela, andami pa ring nagbagoāreligion, diet, pananaw sa buhay, pananamit, buhok (I was very quiet in college and no one would have thought that Iād be a reporter. When I went back to school, many things had changedāreligion, diet, outlook in life, fashion, hair).āĀ
Zafra also dispensed advice:
āDo not resist change kasi āyan langā yung bagay na permanente. Mula high school hanggang maging kolehiyala, eskwela at bahay lang ang inatupag pero ngayon, halos araw-araw nang nasa harap ng camera at nakikisalamuha sa ibaāt ibang klase ng tao para makapaghatid ng balita (Do not resist change because that is the only permanent thing. From high school to college,Ā I’veĀ kept myself busy with only school and home but now, I spend most of my time in front of the camera interacting with different people to bring people the news).ā
Is it unethical to put herself on report? What specific ethics she violated? Thank you š I want to find out the answer š
It is both an ethical and professional issue. The Philippine Journalist’s Code of Ethics states that the journalist should not allow personal motives influence his/her writing (httpss://www.eyeonethics.org/journalist-code-of-ethics-in-asia/journalists-code-of-ethics-philippines/). The professional standards of journalism mandate that the reporter should not be part of the story because when that happens other stories are edged out. This is in addition to the reporter’s in effect using the media for self-promotion.
Is it because it violates the Philippine Journalist Code of Ethics? “V. I shall not let personal motives or interests influence me in the performance of my duties…” š I know it’s wrong… but I’m not sure why though. š
Please see reply below. Thank you for the comment.
Forgot something CMFR? Desk editor, segment producer, executive producer. You guys in cmfr should review the code of ethics and use that thing between your ears before working on an article, and please write responsibly.