“Democracy cannot thrive, cannot exist without a free press.”
Thus stressed ANC Anchor Christian Esguerra to the students and teachers of MGC New Life Christian Academy (MGCNLCA) in his talk entitled “The Role and Importance of Media in a Democracy,” last November 11, 2021, via Zoom.
Esguerra began his talk by discussing the role of the media as the fourth estate of the government responsible for checking, spotting, and reporting the abuses of the state concerning graft and corruption. With the increasing disinformation and misinformation plaguing the country, especially in light of the upcoming elections, he explained the role and purpose of news and journalism in disseminating factual news and information as well asin empowering the masses.
The award-winning anchor warned Newlifers of the negative consequences of recklessly revealing unverified information, saying that journalists have a heavy obligation to report the truth without distortion. After all, journalism’s loyalty is to the truth and the people rather than to the government.
Esguerra also clarified the concepts of neutrality and objectivity. "Journalism cannot be objective in the sense na impartial or neutral ka... But ... it doesn’t mean we should be unfair. Okay? Fairness is not the same with impartiality,” Esguerra said. He stressed that one way to be objective is by the discipline of verification.
Esguerra concluded the webinar with a question-and-answer portion where he urged the students and teachers present, especially future journalists, to maintain their integrity at all times.
Esguerra’s talk was attended by Grade 10, Grade 11 HUMMS, and Grade 12 students as part of the requirement of their subjects in Contemporary Issues, Philippine Politics and Governance, and Media and Information Literacy, respectively.
Esguerra is the host and managing editor of “After the Fact” on the ABS-CBN News Channel or ANC. He is also an assistant professor at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), where he teaches political reporting and media ethics and conducts research under the UST Research Center for Culture Arts and the Humanities. In addition, he is also the 2019 recipient of the Award of Distinction from the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) and Titus Brandsma Award for Emergent Leadership in Journalism and was named Marshall McLuhan Fellow in 2020.
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