Future journalists told: Follow ethics code in this digital age

CEBU, Philippines - Social and traditional media experts were one yesterday in reminding communication students not to lose sight of the basic foundation of journalism while keeping up with the digital era.

“There should be gatekeepers (in social media). If not the media organization, you yourself.... In the realm of social media, journalists must stick to basic standards, abide by code of ethics,” said Sunnex editor-in-chief Nini Cabaero.

Social media, Cabaero said, is useful in the promotion of journalism as a tool in gathering information, connecting with the public, promoting breaking news.

She spoke in yesterday’s forum held in line with the Cebu Press Freedom Week celebration entitled “Social Media and the News.” College communication students, who are the future journalists, were given technical and practical tips on how to maximize the Internet in developing a career in journalism and communication.

Smart Communications senior manager for public affairs-Vismin Ma-ria Jade Paredes and Third Team Media digital marketing consultant and founder Fleire Castro also spoke to the participants, who were students from the University of the Philippines Cebu, Cebu Normal University, St. Theresa’s College, University of the Visayas, and Cebu Institute of Technology-University.

Paredes briefed the audience on how Smart taps digital technology in extending information and assistance, most notably in times of disaster.

In particular, she shared the disaster warning system Batingaw, a tourism application that helps stakeholders promote local attractions in their own words, and electronic referral and consultation system Shine OS+, among others.

Castro, on the other hand, imparted social etiquette that the students, as future journalists, an already start practicing.

“Unlike before, there is no monopoly in sharing of information. Mainstream media shares this task with social media. But the fundamental role of the journalist hasn’t changed. Your role is to make sure that the information is correct,” she said.

She challenged both students and their teachers to strengthen their social and digital media skills in relation to journalism.

Philippine Information Agency 7- Director Minerva BC Newman, Cebu Holdings Inc. corporate communications manager Jeanette Japson, and Medellin, Cebu tourism consultant Jeanette Malinao acted as panel reactors during the program.

Newman said we are in a “very exciting” technologically advanced age where a journalist can easily tap spread information online; she cautioned, though, that the freedom must be coupled with values.

“Your duty as a human being is to uplift other people. You are the generation that can change the world that you live in. Do not forget good manners and right conduct. That’s very important,” the PIA chief said.

Former media practitioner and now corporate executive Japson stressed the significance of sensitivity and accuracy in social media posts.

Malinao, also a former reporter and now tourism consultant, emphasized the huge help of social media in promoting the once-unknown northern Cebu town of Medellin into the most visited place in the entire Central Visayas.

“We are very thankful to social media. Also, during Yolanda, the social media has proven that help can be extended. The assistance from concerned individuals and institutions through social media has helped 56,000 people of Medellin to bounce back,” she said. — (FREEMAN)