philippine bad boy

President Arroyo rightly branded the Philippine media as 'bad boy', what with its propensity to banner prominently too much shocking headlines in front pages and TV newscasts, while relegating more favorable stories, albeit banner story worthy, to news feature and business sections. Broadsheet dailies are abound with sensationalized headlines and editorialized news while TV anchors deliver the news in a rattling fashion like declaring an exingent national crisis. Often, the negative issues and offensive pronouncements of concerned people are played up more than the bright side of an otherwise positive news.

I surmise President Arroyo does not wish the media to keep silent about controversies, scandals and corruption nor does she intend to wrest praises for the achievements of the government, rather I read her statements as merely to encourage the media to splash as much positive stories if only to bouy up our spirits and help invigorate the economy.

The media, whether or not do accept it, have grossly pitched in to the encroaching climate of hopelessness throughout the nation as supported by a recent survey that suggests people find our media too negative. Even some members of the media themselves have echoed President Arroyo's sentiments.

I say that the Philippine media is bedazzled by a false tenet that its foremost role is to guard against government offenses. While it is true that the media is a significant tool in exposing anomalies in the government, it is secondary to providing balanced, objective news.

I hope the media, instead of acting like brats by taking the President's tirades as an attack on its freedom, would look within and find ways to bring up its quality.