Next in journalism

Last Friday, I met with some students of the Mandaue City Science High School as they were preparing for the Regional School's Press Conference. They wanted to get first-hand information on what the broadcast industry is about, and how it works so they would have an idea how to make their own newscast as part of the contest. I liked how they were in awe of everything I and my colleague said. But at the end of the seminar, I asked them who wanted to delve into the world of journalism and no one responded. I figured, this is a science high school anyway, who would want a career that is so far off?

But speaking on behalf of all high schools today, I have noticed how interest in journalism has decreased. Students don’t want to become part of a world they despise so much. Their minds have been conditioned that the mainstream media today are not accurate and are being paid for by their sources to get the information out. Little do they know that behind every news item they read or hear are reporters working hard just to make sure the story is right. But then they look down on us as the lowest of all levels, as if the career path is not worth anything. The craft is just good for a contest, and not a long-time thing to do.

However, I figured out that without journalists and journalism, we are blinded by reality. We don’t see how our government works behind our backs. We are dumbfounded at what’s happening in society today. It becomes hard to navigate in the real world. Sometimes it hurts when the children of tomorrow are brainwashed by those of the present about the way we work. This is also a noble job - one that gives you fulfillment which you can’t find anywhere else.

I guess it is our jobs now as journalists of today to make the children of tomorrow interested. We should let go of the stigma that this job is one of the worst. All I can say that it’s tiring but at the end of the day, everyone you meet and all the stories you wrote could not be bought for any material thing. True, it doesn't pay well, that is why others would opt for another job, but all jobs are driven by passion. And jobs that are of public service in nature always teach us about humility. Let alone that fact that we also have to be resourceful.

This week we will be witnessing the RSPC that will be held in Mandaue City, I hope these will not just be students who want to win contests. But students who are slowly opening up to the idea that they can make change by being part of the fourth estate - one that watches and guards the government and other sectors for the greater good of the public.