Monday, June 8, 2009

Philippines TV Broadcast News?

I saw two full episodes of GMA’s Saksi and ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol via my mom's TFC channel last weekend. The program reminded me why I am not so impressed with Philippine broadcast journalism anymore. What’s obvious and what usually irritates me is the showbiz news that pops out I think every five minutes of the entire news program. And what’s up with the police reporting? I find it over the top the way every murder or strip joint raid in your local “kanto” is reported as if it’s a national headline. I know our local media is doing its best to pursue journalistic excellence, but I am concerned of this trend that in my personal opinion has a direct or indirect relation in shaping the minds and worldview of the Filipinos. It seems that our local newscasts are also putting too much time on visual and auditory stimulation for shock value or brief entertainment. Suppose the entertainment and shock value are effective but is it enough to make Filipinos think objectively and take educated decisions on the news they see on TV? My friend Benjie said it right that newscasts need to, “report what Filipinos have to hear, not what they want to hear.”

2 comments:

  1. Steven Branum Twitter @ IloiloKanoJune 8, 2009 at 11:26 PM

    How about the series and movies, which appear to always have at least one gay character, nearly always portrayed as socially acceptable, and often portrayed very favorably? Though often presented for comic relief, never are gays presented as living a lifestyle that is potentially harmful, whether physically or spiritually. Several visits over the years to Iloilo confirm the societal acceptance, and I wonder if that is due in large part to broadcast TV.

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  2. There's no doubt that media has a strong influence in shaping the minds of people specially young children. As for the portrayal of gays, I have nothing against it though I would like too see less of it on TV. The issue I have is minimal if not zero coverage of men and women who struggles to follow the Biblical purpose on sexuality and refused to embrace the homosexual lifestyle. Many also found freedom from homosexuality and are now enjoying the true male & female identity God originally gave to them. Unfortunately youdont hear about those stories in the mainstream media.

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