Overlooked

IN most modern societies, politics depend on media for publicity, to encourage supporters and votes. On the other hand, journalists rely on politics to provide them with news to keep their industry alive.
Both parties commit to such relationship because of a shared goal—to influence public opinion. But it is a complicated rapport.
As observed in most headlines, media coverage thrives when it veers towards the negative, reporting more often than not the unpleasant events in the government. In return, journalists are subjected to threats and intimidation. Disgruntled politicians may also withhold information and alter the economic and legislative environment within which the media operate.
While this relationship may be entertaining, it is eventually exhausting. This cliche still creeps the dynamics of Philippine society. Filipinos as the audience hold the power. But as this vicious cycle continues, they are relegated to being the collateral damage.
If the government and the media continue to be at each other’s throats, erosion of public trust will be the impending result. In the long run, this might cripple the country that survives on public participation.
Pres. Benigno Aquino III recently proposed a paradigm shift to the media. Aquino told members of the press to continue criticizing the government, but they must also provide uplifting news as well.
“By all means, criticize; dialogue has, in many cases, helped accelerate our nation’s development. My only suggestion is for you to make room in your reports for hope. After all, it is also one of the tasks of media to inspire our countrymen with uplifting news,” Aquino reminded the media.
The President said he acknowledges the media’s responsibility to tell the truth. But he emphasized the need to strike a healthy balance between the positive and the negative.
“Negativism has driven some members of our media for far too long, and it might one day convince our people that a disproportionate amount of national events are negative; that all is lost and it is foolish to hope,” Aquino warned.
Aquino cited the Mindanao Peace Process and the current performance of the Philippine economy as examples of positive news. He also vowed to initiate more developments for the media to report.
Despite a barrage of controversies involving Aquino and other high ranking officials, the government and the media must not overlook their pursuits of gaining public trust.
Both parties are expected to engage in a complementary relationship — one that is more symbiotic and less parasitic. After all, both are important institutions in preserving freedom and democracy in the country, and achieving progress.
In this case, politics and media should not drag each other’s arm down. Instead, for a change, maybe they should try banking on each other’s success to flourish—to stay alive.
(AJPress)