Press Freedom: Facing Perils and Pressures

World Press Freedom Day, commemorated each year on May 3, provided a stark reminder of the myriad challenges journalists face globally, and particularly in the Philippines.

The 2023 Reporters Sans Frontiers (RSF) index highlights a troubling environment for media practitioners, with threats to personal safety, job security, and the unsettling impact of artificial intelligence on the profession.

Firstly, the personal safety and security of journalists remain pressing concerns. In many regions, including parts of the Philippines, reporters operate in hostile environments where harassment, intimidation, and physical threats are common. These conditions not only endanger journalists but also stifle the free flow of information, essential for a functioning democracy.

In its State of Media Freedom in the Philippines 2024, the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility noted the following data:

-Around 135 incidents of attacks and threats against media workers from 1 July 2022 to 30 April 2024. This number exceeds the number of attacks and threats in the first 22 months of Duterte’s term.

-During the period, there were 75 cases of intimidation. These include 45 cases of red-tagging and 19 cases of surveillance.

-Eight journalists were charged with libel and cyber libel. In addition, four of the five arrests recorded during the period were for past cyber libel charges.

-There were three killings during the period: Rey Blanco on 18 September 2022, Percy Lapid on 3 October 2022, and Cresencio Bundoquin on 30 May 2023.

Job tenure is another critical issue. The media industry has seen significant upheaval, with digital transformation leading to job cuts and a shift towards precarious freelance work. This instability undermines the profession, with seasoned journalists often finding themselves in a constant struggle to secure sustainable livelihoods.

Furthermore, the advent of artificial intelligence poses unique challenges, particularly for photojournalists. AI’s ability to generate realistic images and videos can revolutionize media production but also raises ethical concerns and threatens the authenticity of visual journalism. This technological shift necessitates a reevaluation of the role and skills of journalists in an increasingly digital landscape.

Amidst these challenges, the debate over a licensure exam for journalists in the Philippines, as discussed during the PCIJ’s Third Investigative Journalism Conference, reflects deeper concerns about freedom of the press and governmental overreach. While proponents argue that a standardized exam could professionalize the field, many journalists fear such measures could be used to control the media and restrict who can report, especially in a country where press freedom is already under threat.

Veteran journalists, including Rowena Paraan and Ed Lingao, argue that journalism, at its core, is a form of public service that should not be subject to restrictive governmental controls. Instead, the focus should be on enhancing journalists’ safety, securing their economic stability, and ensuring that they can continue to serve their crucial watchdog role without interference.

As World Press Freedom Day prompts reflection on these issues, it becomes clear that the fight for a free and secure press is ongoing. The community must continue to advocate for robust protections for journalists and critically assess the impacts of new technologies on journalistic practices. Only through sustained effort and vigilance can the press remain free and capable of fulfilling its essential role in society.