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Saturday, September 27, 2003
Editorial: A hell of a balancing act
For many media outlets, covering the Kris Aquino-Joey Marquez case is really one difficult balancing act.
While there is a recognition of the newsworthiness of the matter, not necessarily of the quarrel but more because of the social standing of those involved, there is also the thinking that there are more pressing concerns that need media’s attention.
Besides, with the showbizzy cloud circling around the incident, there is always the danger of the coverage degenerating into a farce.
This point is easily observable in the manner local and national papers have been covering the Kris-Joey affair since it broke into the open Tuesday. While the story and its follow-ups became front-page stuff, these were not bannered.
First to succumb, however, was the television coverage, notably of the two leading and rival networks. Apparently, the temptation to sensationalize was irresistible given the interest the incident generated and the realities of the ratings game.
One network, for example, threw away time-honored journalistic practices during an exclusive interview with Ms. Aquino last Wednesday. The presentation was telenovela-ish—with the station apparently concerned more with drama than substance.
Thursday, two of the more respected tv programs in the two rival networks ended up feasting on the Kris-Joey affair, forgetting other important topics like President Arroyo’s visit to the US.
Indeed, being levelheaded in reporting sensational events can be considered a test on the determination of media outlets to lead rather than be led by the reading, listening and viewing public in setting the direction of coverages.
The verdict is not yet out on how the media is faring as far as the Kris-Joey affair is concerned—after all, there is as yet not end in sight to the couple’s tale. The hope is that at least the majority of the media outlets will prove they are up to the task.
Right to Reply bill, again
“Ayaw mo panghilabot aron dili mi modemand.”
That quote, which at best sums up the intention of some of the supporters of the Right to Reply Bill, was uttered by Sen. John “Sonny” Osmeña, who was asked to react to the media’s opposition to the passage of the pending measure.
This, in, turn could be another reason why the bill should not be passed. For what will be the effect on the effort to ferret out the truth if media practitioners, indeed, “won’t touch” erring personalities to skirt the criticize-reply-criticize again-reply again hassle?
Also, Osmeña himself is one other argument against the measure; and so, too, Rep. Clavel Asas Martinez and other politicians with similar temperament. They seem to be pushing this bill mainly because of their beef against some media people.
“Akoy pinaka-kulatado diha sa Sugbo sukad pa’s una,” Osmeña said of the Cebu media. Martinez, meanwhile, has yet to forget ABS-CBN broadcaster Korina Sanchez’s tirades against her.
Indeed, it is not good practice for one to legislate out of pique.
(September 27, 2003 issue)
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