Responsible Journalism in Philippine Society | Atom Araullo | TEDxDLSU

Summary

In this talk, a journalist reflects on their career, starting with their time on a pioneering 1990s TV show and evolving into today's digital revolution. The speaker discusses how the media landscape has shifted with social media, emphasizing the importance of responsible journalism and fact-based reporting. They highlight the challenges of fake news, the role of citizen journalism, and the responsibility all users have in this hyper-connected era. The speaker also shares insights on storytelling, the power of compassion, and a recent initiative called 'Fight Back' that focuses on immersive storytelling using new media technologies.

Takeaways

• 📺 The speaker began their career in journalism on a 90s TV show called 'Five It Up,' which covered a wide range of topics from travel to serious social issues.
• 🎤 Journalism has evolved significantly, transitioning from traditional TV and print to digital and social media platforms, transforming how news is consumed and delivered.
• 🌐 We are in the midst of a digital revolution, with more than half the global population connected to the internet and spending a large amount of time on social media.
• 📱 In the Philippines, messaging apps like Viber and Facebook Messenger dominate, but this digital shift has raised concerns about the spread of fake news and misinformation.
• 🤥 The speaker highlighted the issue of fake news, especially on social media platforms, citing the manipulation of photos and the rise of dubious news sites during the 2016 elections.
• 📷 Anyone with a smartphone now has the ability to record and share news in real time, blurring the line between traditional journalism and citizen journalism.
• 📰 The role of journalists is not just to report facts but also to tell compelling stories that engage emotions, while maintaining the integrity of truth and transparency.
• 🤝 Journalists today must listen to and engage with their audience, as the audience can also serve as citizen journalists, contributing their own perspectives and stories.
• 📽 The speaker, along with colleagues, launched 'Fight Back PH,' an independent media group that uses innovative tools like 360-degree videos to cover important issues, such as disaster risk reduction.
• 💡 The speaker concluded by emphasizing the power of storytelling to educate, inspire, and enact change, encouraging others to use their social media platforms for impactful storytelling.

Q & A

What was the speaker's first job in journalism?

The speaker's first job was part of a TV magazine show in the 1990s called 'Five It Up,' where they reported on various topics such as travel, food, and interesting personalities.

How has journalism changed with the rise of digital media?

Journalism has changed significantly with digital media, as it has redefined how stories are pursued, platforms are used, and how audiences interact with journalists. Social media and online platforms now play a major role in how news is consumed.

What does the speaker believe is the impact of social media on news consumption?

The speaker notes that social media allows people to express views freely, but it also leads to the spread of misinformation. They mention that social media usage for news is declining due to low trust in the content, particularly because of fake news.

What example does the speaker provide to illustrate the spread of misinformation?

The speaker mentions a Photoshopped image from a recent State of the Nation Address, which was altered to misrepresent the event, highlighting how easily misinformation can be spread on social media.

What is 'Fight Back PH' and why did the speaker and their colleagues start it?

'Fight Back PH' is a small group started by the speaker and colleagues to produce independent journalism tailored for the digital era. Their focus is on covering significant events, such as the peace agreement in Mindanao, using new storytelling techniques like 360-degree videos.

What role does the speaker see for journalists in the digital age?

The speaker believes that journalists in the digital age need to be responsible, tell truthful stories, and balance both facts and emotions to engage their audience. They also emphasize the importance of listening to and collaborating with the audience.

Why does the speaker think it’s important to have 'the courage to tell the story'?

The speaker believes that journalism is fundamentally about finding and presenting the truth. It requires courage to seek facts and tell important stories, especially in a world where misinformation is rampant.

How does the speaker view the role of 'citizen journalists' in today’s media landscape?

The speaker acknowledges that anyone with a smartphone and internet access can be a 'citizen journalist' today. They emphasize that the values and ethics of journalism should apply to everyone, whether a professional reporter or a casual user posting on social media.

What are some of the challenges that journalists face in the digital age, according to the speaker?

Journalists in the digital age face challenges such as the spread of fake news, the loss of trust in traditional media, and the need to navigate the overwhelming presence of social media while maintaining credibility and factual accuracy.

What does the speaker emphasize about the use of technology in modern journalism?

The speaker highlights the growing use of technology, such as 360-degree videos and drones, to bring immersive experiences to the audience. This approach allows viewers to feel more connected to the story, such as in their coverage of the Mindanao peace agreement.