Mass Media Corruption

Dear Students,

We are heading to the last three remaining topics as we closely approaching to the end of the semester. I hope that you still find this thread interesting and challenging as we continue to tackle some of the controversial issues that haunts mass media in the past - down to its present times. Undeniably, the relentless power of media brings lots of host to the world we live in. Media is blamed to have caused anti-social behavior, of poisoning the minds of its people due to some depictions of gross deeds and many others. But amid these downfalls are the numerous benefits that mass media had contributed since time immemorial. We are in a state of bewilderment whether its advantages can tap the growing problems thrown to the mass media especially so that media are directly pointed out as a tool in desensitizing the moral fabric of our society.

One added list to these problems is on the issue of corruption in mass media. Yes, that would be our center of discussion today. Initially, I am in doubt whether I shall include this one as a major topic since it immensely an issue within our profession rather than a matter of concern for everyone. But upon discernment, it struck me to know that media practitioners must be wary to their actions. Our deeds and behaviors cannot simply be projected as mere façade because in reality people relied heavily on our jobs as their shield against injustices and shenanigans of corrupt officials. Although I speak on the moral obligation of journalists, please open your minds in thinking why I brought out this issue that might have a huge implication to the people.

So what is media corruption? I don’t have time to browse the net as to its definition, ergo, I could not give you the technical definition to it. It would be suffice if through examples we can elaborately discuss the topic at hand.

Can you still remember the term ‘envelopmental journalism’? This might be the blatant example of media corruption. Payoffs to journalists have become so much a part of the journalistic culture that they have endangered a language of their own. We call it payola, under the table transactions, atm journalism, hao siao, smiling money and other terminologies that have already been familiar to us. The news writer is obliged to write an article that would build up the name of his source or cover up the wrong doings of an official in exchange for the gifts or money he receives. This is without a doubt a form of bribery. You’re compromising your name just for a bunch of money that may ruin your integrity and thus, losing people’s confidence in believing or trusting you.

For indeed, where do good journalists come from? Do they march out of journalism schools as soon as they’ve learned the five W's and the Hs,the rigors of the interview, honed a nose for the news, and mastered the color, the logic, the rhythm, the texture of ideas and events? Are they born of honest and honorable fathers and mothers? Or, do they fall from the skies like manna from heaven? And where do bad journalists come from?

There are no easy answers. At bottom, it seems like the good and the bad journalists co-exist in the same milieu.

I cannot help but to think what had gone wrong to my previous students. They are attached too much to politicians that they have lost their idealism I’ve once seen back when they were still my students. It pains me to know that though novice in the profession they act like a ‘pro’ in maligning the truth and in fabricating stories just to make a good impression to their big boss. I don’t know there real intentions are. But for sure they do it because it’s their bread and butter – call it for survivability sake! But why is it that money remains the by standard of journalists? Meaning, if some one pay you a pretty sum of money, would it be the only time to write a good article? How about if someone approached you and tells you that MR. POLITIKO have a mistress? You refused to write because it might ruin his political career. In a classroom, it’s easy for me to impose to do this thing and avoid this one. You follow what I preached because you want to have a good mark because to do otherwise means failing you. But the real test happens out of the four corners of the wall. It’s when actual scenario unfolds while analyzing how you would cope up in dealing with such kind of situation. This would be the determinant how effective you can be as journalist.

Credibility they say is what others think of us. Ethics is what kind of people we are. Corruption destroys both. It is a problem we cannot ignore. As a first step, let us acknowledge that it is a problem, and let’s talk over it.



Questions:

1. In what way do people can be affected by the deeds or actions of the journalists? Cite examples.
2. Can you give some situations that portray media corruption? (eg in advertising, public relation)
3. Comment on the article above at least in 4 paragraphs.

Note: Be responsible in quoting your source. Don’t plagiarize other author’s work. Submit your work at my gmail account. This is due on february 10, 2011.