Commentary warns:  journalists face an uncertain future

CHEERS TO Philstar.com for its commentary on the state of mind of many journalists as another Marcos prepares to preside over the nation. But the piece did more than talk to journalists. It cited studies which had documented political attacks and the impact of social media on journalism – all of which have caused journalists to feel that they are at the “crossroads” of an uncertain future. 

The June 17 commentary took up the question: “Would staying in a profession of truth telling still be worth it in the face of another administration [that’s] potentially hostile to the press?” Philstar.com’s Xave Gregorio interviewed journalists, most of whom asked to remain anonymous for fear of a backlash—which is itself an indication of how uncertain they are about the future.

Campaign and past administrations as precedent

Gregorio recalled that the current media landscape did not develop only during the last elections and campaign. The last six years paved the way for an environment of fear, uncertainty, and censorship. Philstar.com cited the attacks on the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler and ABS-CBN as three examples of media outfits that drew the ire of the president and faced the consequences for their critical reporting. The report captured the shared sentiment among journalists wary of history’s repeating itself. 

Marcos Jr.’s refusal to engage in presidential foras with rival candidates, his selective grant of access to journalists during his campaign, and the treatment of his critics by his campaign security team did little to dispel fear among the media community whose many members have  endured red-tagging and other threats and harassments during Duterte’s administration. The usual issues of low-pay, lack of support from editors and owners that they also mentioned have also added to their emotional burdens. 

Accounts like Gregorio’s help clarify what journalists need to fulfill their public service purpose and whether the profession is still worthy of pursuit given the challenges they face. But personal evaluations should be followed by internal reviews at the newsroom level to determine what changes need to happen. Newsrooms need to support their reporters as they try to serve the public under a new, potentially hostile administration.

Whole-of-society approach versus disinformation

It is not only the challenge of a hostile administration that clouds the horizon for journalists. The entire landscape of media has changed, calling for the review and re-invention of journalism practice. The article gathered reflections on the continuing disinformation and declining trust in journalism. “Our pay is low, harassment is a real problem, and then they won’t believe you?” a broadcast journalist complained. 

The piece also cited two studies to indicate the change in news consumer behavior. First, Filipinos are trusting news brands less and losing interest in news and its consumption. Second, a study that showed trust in social media influencers is growing. Gregorio reported that newsrooms have ventured into online platforms from where disinformation originates in the hope of stopping it at the source and engaging wider audiences. 

Rappler reporter Lian Buan told Gregorio that the 31 million-strong mandate given the president-elect is “an indictment of facts and journalism as a profession.” For her, the war for truth needs to be fought by more than journalists – it requires a “whole-of-society” approach to succeed.  

Media and their problems are an area of public concern. Journalists should be the first to acknowledge that the public should be engaged in the search for solutions. It is important to hold public discussions about the state of journalism in the country and its future so as to convince the public that the truth that the media are mandated to find, and report is in its interest.

The solidarity that can develop can enhance the individual efforts of media workers. It will take a collective force to bring the whole of media to a point of evaluation and much needed renewal. There are communities ready to create a collective force so the whole of society can overcome the forces marshalled against the values of press freedom and democracy. 

The commentary is a good beginning. May others follow suit.