A word to Cebu journalists, from someone who had been on both sides of the microphone.
Journalism trends and skills
A word to Cebu journalists, from someone who had been on both sides of the microphone.
BY BENNETTE ESPENELI MISALUCHA
December 2022
The writer worked as television news reporter in Cebu for four years, from 1980 to 1984, then as state senator in Hawaii, U.S.A. from July 9, 2020 to Nov. 8, 2022. She had been both reporter and news source. Related article by Bennette Misalucha: “EX-TV journalist from Cebu who became state senator tells about her journey into politics.” (Under the category “Trans-journos” in CJJ newsmedia magazine.)
I GET it. When you’re a reporter and your editor is breathing down your neck to meet your deadline, it’s often challenging to double-check facts. Or to come to a conclusion from a well researched, well thought-of point of view. When you’re in the journalistic trenches, the ultimate objective was, and will always be, to get the story published and if it’s a news-breaking news, to get to deliver that news first.
Constants remain
The news business may have changed a lot since I was part of the industry in Cebu more than 40 years ago. But those constants remain. The responsibility of a journalist is to accurately report on the news of the day so their audience can be informed, and thus, armed with that knowledge, people can make appropriate decisions on every facet of life. This also means that in the spirit of fairness, both sides of an issue needs to be presented without bias nor prejudice. Sure, the process can sometimes get messy as the level of discourse escalates. But democracy IS messy.
But what makes journalism today even more complex is the pervasive presence of social media. With easy access to a built-in audience, anyone nowadays can “report” on the news. It is what it is. We cannot stop social media like we cannot stop the tide from coming in.
To young journalists
This makes the role of true journalists even more important as “truth-tellers”. I direct my advice—my energy—towards the young idealistic journalists who are trying to make their mark in the world. I was 20 years old when I started in television news, and as I write this, I am channeling that younger self in sharing what I know now, especially within the context of someone who has held public office.
[] Stay the course. Journalistic integrity is a value that is so precious in today’ muddled news environment.
[] Be fair. I know this is a basic tenet of journalism but I’m often shocked at how nowadays, fairness is compromised to get a “scoop.” As a public servant, I was grateful when I was asked to rebut some inaccurate characterizations on an issue or decision.
[] Know that your news story affects others. I think when you’re young, you think that life is contained in a bubble. In truth, a news story, especially if it’s negative, will have repercussions that can reverberate and impact lives. In addition, with technology, it can even become viral, even global. . So make sure, you check all the facts before publication. It is that important.
[] Come prepared. Research on the topic before you meet the interviewee. I am always impressed when I meet journalists who have done their homework and ask intelligent questions.
[] Get to know your “subject” better. Spend time with them. As a public servant, I could discern which reporter researched my background before meeting me. Yes, I would advocate cultivating a relationship with your “subject”. Here is my take on this. We are not adversaries. We don’t have to be unpleasant with one another. I understand that we both have roles to play, but I believe, there is more that binds us than separates us. We both deeply care about our communities, and this is likely why we are in the jobs that we are in.
[] Broaden your horizons. Keep on reading and educating yourself. This will allow you to be open to new ideas, and bodes well for a balanced approach in all your writing.
I continue to nurture deep respect for all journalists and I acknowledge their contributions to our baseline of understanding about how our world works. May you all continue to be truth tellers as we face the negative impacts of escalating polarization in all corners of the globe. I don’t mean to sound dramatic, but our future depends on it. 