UJP-UP Diliman on Societal Implications conducts Solutions Journalism 101: A Journalism Workshop

Danielle Margareth Piler

Last Saturday, October 29, 2022 - The Union of Journalists of the Philippines - UP Diliman hosted an instructive and timely webinar entitled "Solutions Journalism 101: A Solutions Journalism Workshop” held from 4 PM to 6 PM, broadcasted live through Zoom conference and Facebook livestream, and were attended by various students from different school publications.

As society is currently facing an array of social issues, professionals in the media must commit to not only delivering the truth but also giving concrete, evidence-based solutions. It is also not a problem for a journalist to be biased as long as they are biased for what is right and true and are dedicated to giving factual information to the public regardless of what happens. Moreover, being a journalist also demands lots of courage since they will face a flood of criticisms and even threats from people who oppose them.

The resource speaker of the program, Ms. Portia Ladrido, a Co-Founder of INKLINE and a Former Editor of CNN Philippines Life, stated that solutions journalism is rigorous, evidence-based reporting on responses to social problems that require in-depth research and analysis towards a certain issue. Hence, it comprises a resolution to an issue and how it occurred, a need for evidence of impact (looking at efficacy rather than merely intentions), insights that might help others respond, and any limits or cautions of the approach. More so, solutions journalism also relies on qualitative or quantitative data.

With a wide range of societal implications, solutions journalism promotes less divided but more constructive discussions about a given issue, it enhances the readers' interest, understanding, and knowledge, as well as their purpose to share and engage with others. Solutions journalism, according to Ms. Portia, activates people because "Journalism, at its best, should activate people to be powerful players in a participatory democracy." This appears to mean that powerful and effective journalism must move people and encourage them to make their voices heard.

“It is neither doom and gloom nor fluff. It is hope with teeth. It is journalism that refuses to paint communities as made up only of problems.” A quote from Matthew Kauffman, wherein Ms. Portia characterized solutions journalism as journalism that exposes the WHOLE picture. She, too, added that solutions journalism strengthens accountability journalism for journalists. As solutions journalism strives to report on evidence-based approaches to societal problems, they are trained to perform an in-depth analysis and to strictly abide by the journalist’s code of ethics to present individuals with a good quality report that will not just move them, but also help them too.

As Ms. Portia finished her presentation, the reactors namely: Ms. Adelle Chua, Ms. Biena Magbintang, Mr. Rome Candaza, and Ms. Katherine Sarmiento, each expressed their realizations and even extended advice to the participants, especially to those who wanted to pursue journalism and are currently taking it. Thereafter, Ms. Marian Abio, the master of ceremony, awarded the certificate of appreciation to Ms. Portia and the reactors for sharing their time and expertise on the topic. It was then followed by a photo opportunity and the answering of the evaluation form; hence, the program successfully concluded.

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