MACALE TO CAMPUS JOURNALISTS: IN THESE CHALLENGING TIMES, I THINK THIS IS ALSO THE TIME THAT NEWS MEDIA CAN SERVE ITS PURPOSE

In a pre-recorded discussion presented last Sunday, March 21, 2021, during the virtual opening program of the First Basic Education Online Press Conference, Mr. Hector Bryant Macale, News Production Head of ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), emphasized the role of campus journalists in battling an info-demic, or the rapid spread and dispersion of facts, rumors, and fears.

“The non-stop news cycle, the so-called infodemic of misinformation and disinformation in traditional mainstream media and social media, let alone the challenges of covering a pandemic made the crisis one of the most, if not, the most unique story speed news outlets such as ANC are reporting”, Macale expressed, also adding that journalists "have to struggle with a shrinking space for press freedom and freedom of expression as well as limited access to information to cover the story."

“Unfortunately some are accurate and some are not, making it hard for the public to look for trustworthy sources and reliable guidelines without doubt misinformation and disinformation including unverified claims and embedded rumors can quickly and widely spread during health emergencies such as COVID-19 pandemic”, he affirmed.

Macale also stated that the World Health Organization has described the infodemic as a second disease along with the COVID-19 pandemic, which is considered an overabundance of information.

During the duration of his talk, he told the participants that this is a good time for campus journalists like them to remind the public why they should restore their faith in news media outlets, both mainstream, and alternative.

“In these trying times journalists can indeed use the opportunity to not just write and report about the pandemic but also actually help in building public trust that can lead the people towards making solutions and hold public officials accountable as the country continues to grapple with this unprecedented public health crisis”, he added.

The highlight of the talk included the 5 Core Principles of Journalism as espoused by the Ethical Journalism Network, which are Truth and Accuracy, Independence, Fairness and Impartiality, Humanity, and Accountability.

“Amid the infodemic, journalists should always aim at accuracy, provide all the facts that are needed and relevant and make sure what you're right about what we report on have been carefully checked or vetted. This is one big difference between the news media and online sources. The news media can remind the public how important their duties and responsibilities are, especially as purveyors of truthful and accurate information”, he stated, talking about accuracy.

He also further explained the other four principles before finally ending his keynote speech with an open forum in which he answered questions from the participants of the discussion.