Speaking of Truth

What are the roles of media in nation-building? How does media helps in shaping the nation a better place to live? Do media give fair news? Do media today address truth and justice? These are the question I asked to myself when I attended the Pinoy Media Congress last November 27-28. This Congress is one way of learning and discovering new things which are not taught inside the classroom. The Congress serves as an eye-opener that awakens the blind soul of the Mass Communication student about the reality in the world. Attending this Congress gives me the opportunity to change the evilness in the country, do what I think is right and do things with passion.

I was inspired when Ms. Charo Santos emphasized in her speech we must have a passion in what we are doing. She was the only speaker who has the courage to challenge the Mass Communication students to have a passion to speak for truth and justice. If we have the passion in our action everything will follow. Achieving our goals and fulfilling our dreams is not difficult if we have a passion. As a concern citizen in this country we must have the passion to do things which are good to many people and not be selfish to share what we have. We may have the passion to help our country and not be afraid to speak to truth. The passion could be the key of an individual to survive in the midst of crisis.

Ms. Maria Ressa said journalism is about addressing truth and justice. Journalism is a calling to change the world. Through journalism, media practitioner can change the world and make it a better place. The rampant killings, widespread of drug addiction, corruption and sexual harassment are some of the social issues that a journalist should pay attention. The journalist must give a warning to the people that these problems are existing issues that continuously damaging the image of having a good government. The responsibility of the journalist is to write something which could give justice to the victims. Writing is not just about writing things for self satisfaction. A journalist write news which could solve problem and not to worsen the situation. Writing about these social issues needs a deep research and explanation. It’s not enough that you only write what you know, you must do research and ask people who are involve in the issue. Make sure that if we engage our self in journalism we must keep in mind that we are given the gift to inform the innocent people and give the right information.

Another speaker that gets my attention is Mr. Peter Musngi, he talk about the existing problem in radio. According to him, there are people asking is radio a dying medium. He answered confidently that radio is not a dying a medium because how can people know the hits songs if there’s no radio. He asked the student where we get the news if there’s no class. I can say that radio is not a dying medium because there are areas in the country that are actively using radio as a medium in getting information. Though there is Mp3 or Discman, there are students who still listening and tuning in their favorite radio station.

As a future media practitioner, I was challenged to grow in different way and help our country. The Pinoy Media Congress was really an exciting experience. The inspirational speeches of the famous celebrity and newscasters awakens my spirit to speak for truth and give justice to the victims of criminalities in our country. The life of media practitioner is about sacrificing self in death and speaking of truth. Our country needs a good provider of information that could definitely serve with loyalty and dedication to serve the people.