Community Press Role in Nation Building

Philippine Press Institute (PPI) Executive Director Ariel Sebellino stressed the role of community press which is for nation building by "preserving democracy and protecting press freedom" in his keynote talk at the Negros Press Club’s 76th Induction at Bascon Hotel, Bacolod, PH.

Earlier he inducted into office the new officers of the NPC led by Negros Daily Bulletin (NDB) Editor Arman Toga.

Sebellino (Image, NDB-online.com)

The media "is the quickest to spot and report whatever form of corruption and anomaly that lurks in the convoluted midst of day to day survival and discontent," he pointed out.

Source of Media Power

He mentioned that the power of media emanates "from the public or people who they serve that set the news, and whose thirst for truth and information is incessant and vary from time to time, depending of the turn of events."

He said that mediamen take pride to always cling to "noble intention of letting the public make sense of the news - the very product of our journalistic fervor and commitment of shaping the minds of Filipinos."

Media, Powerful Institution

He believed and felt confident about it that community newspaper sustains accountability and prompts responsibility.

In stressing his point, he cited Isagani Yambot's words: "the media is a very powerful institution. In a democracy, the free media plays a very important role in promoting and protecting the public interest."

He reminded that mediaman's "job will not be easy." He added they're more than challenged to outdo themselves and even give the public more than what it deserves.

For him, mediamen are a product of journalistic character whose credibility and integrity reside in the professional and ethical practice of journalism. What they make for themselves and what they put out for public discernment spell the uniqueness of their duty as truth-bearers, compared to other professions.

Media Tool and Principle

Excellence and ethics are tool and the guiding principle of media men in doing their work.

"Excellence will always be our tool in confronting issues and challenges - and ethics our guiding principle in doing what we ought to do. For those of you who are familiar with the Philippine Press Institute, we do not get tired reminding ourselves of this demand."

Though they are committed to work on for nation building, PH mediamen have limitations.

Media Men, The Conquerors

He said that it was a tough order for them to make a change. Yet it was not upon them to solve the apparent and intrinsic problems of this country. As journalists and media practitioners, they rose above oddities.

"One story at a time," he concluded.

For the complete message of PPI Sebellino, visit Negros Press Club Website.