Media under fire

The members of the press recently came under fire when Cebu City acting Mayor Raymond Garcia called them out for alleged unfair reporting. It seems to the new city leader that what is being released in the press amounts to an attack on their hard work in organizing the prestigious Palarong Pambansa, rather than acknowledging the positive aspects. The report, after some investigation, pertained to the status of billeting quarters and the experiences of some athletes.

This surprised some reporters who were unclear about what the mayor was referring to. To them, it seemed totally uncalled for, an issue that could have been addressed more constructively. There could have been a proper way of channeling his concern, rather than lashing out at everyone in the room. The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines, Cebu Chapter, took a stand against these remarks, asserting that the press' duty is to report the truth, which includes all aspects of the event.

While both sides have the right to express their concerns, the city government appears to be overlooking the role of the press. Communication students understand that the media functions as the fourth estate, serving as a watchdog. This includes reporting on what the local government unit promised its visitors without disregarding their actual experiences. However, the media should also strive to maintain its objectivity. A good story should always present both sides of an issue and include a disclaimer to assure readers that all perspectives were considered. The trusty acronym ABC --Accuracy, Balance, and Credibility-- should guide newsrooms in refining their stories.

Recent days have indeed been challenging. The organizers and technical officials are working diligently to ensure that all standards are met. They are facing scrutiny over shortcomings that were not made public before the opening of the games. For any organization, this represents a communication failure. Their press conferences may have been beneficial, at least for now, in keeping the public and visitors informed.

I commend the city's public information office for keeping its constituents updated on the event's progress. Although this may not present the full picture, it has provided a platform for their own narrative and approval. This offers an alternative for those who prefer not to confront the less-favorable aspects of the media’s coverage. The beauty of democracy is the ability to choose what information to consume.

As the Palarong Pambansa concludes today, let us remember the various challenges faced before its commencement. We do not know when we will host such a large event again, but we hope that future events will be better managed than what we have experienced this time. As the torch is passed to the next host, we also hope they take with them positive memories of their stay in our beloved city. No sporting event is perfect, and we can all learn from experience. It may now be time for everyone to take a well-deserved break.