EDITORIAL — Life begins at 40

What, you’re still in business?

This sums up the attitude of those who think the digital age has killed the newspaper industry. But yes, here we are, celebrating the 40th year of The Philippine STAR.

Digital technology, particularly artificial intelligence, has facilitated widespread disinformation, misinformation and the dissemination of harmful content. It is threatening the fabric of free societies, allowing the spread of hate and undermining efforts to help people make informed choices in elections and the many other aspects of life.

This makes the role of traditional media all the more important. A media brand gains strength from public trust, built over many years of consistently delivering reliable, accurate, fair and thought-provoking content.

Here lies the strength of traditional media – whether it is hard news, opinion, cultural and leisure content or public service announcements.

Because of the nature of the print medium, the responsibility is heavier for a newspaper to provide information you can trust. On paper, mistakes are permanently highlighted and can warrant a lawsuit.

Unlike the anonymity provided by social media, a newspaper carries with it a high degree of accountability for all its content. 

The nature of journalism also remains unchanged, despite the emergence of new media platforms. 

Forty years ago, we were warned that we wouldn’t last in an already overcrowded industry. And yet The Philippine STAR not only survived, but thrived, taking pride of place in the publishing firmament.

We owe much to our readers, and to our partners in our growth; we thank all of you as we celebrate this milestone.  

Today, yes, we’re very much still in business, ready for the next phase, eager to face new challenges and embrace the rapidly evolving media landscape.

It is said that life begins at 40. The past 40 years constituted our first phase, and we’re gearing up for the next.

We’re just getting started.

Here’s looking at the next 40 years, with The Philippine STAR still shining a light on truth.