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Saturday, January 14, 2006
Nalzaro: Business of media
By Bobby Nalzaro
Aside from the physical and legal harassments that media practitioners consider as hazards of the profession, government and owners of media outlets can also be considered threats to press freedom.
An example is government controlling the media under the regime of Ferdinand Marcos. The dictator only allowed media entities owned by his cronies and political allies to operate, turning mainstream media into government public relations machinery.
Another example could be what happened to Vice President Noli De Castro's “Magandang Gabi Bayan” at the Lopez-owned ABS-CBN. The program’s contract was not renewed because de Castro reportedly refused to follow the order of the owners to sever ties with and criticize the Arroyo administration. (An ABS-CBN news and public affairs executive, however, denied the allegation saying that the axing of de Castro's program was part of the network’s reprogramming.)
The Lopezes are into several business interests. Aside from ABS-CBN, they are also into power distribution, communication, mall operation, filmmaking, recording, construction, etc. Their biggest setback was when the Supreme Court ordered the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) to return the more than P2 billion they overcharged to consumers. Also, government refused to compromise the billions of pesos Meralco owes to the government-owned National Power Corp.
This means that the Lopezes have an ax to grind against the Arroyo administration. And they must have thought that their media power can topple Arroyo's government. There were even allegations that the Lopezes were behind Sandra Cam, who accused the Arroyos of receiving jeuteng payola to spark a political crisis that would lead to a people power revolt. But the effort failed.
Let me point out, however, that broadcasting is a privilege and not a right. Freedom of expression is an inherent right. But using a medium is a privilege extended by its owner. It is also the owner that can take away that privilege.
The owners of GMA network granted me the privilege to work in their radio and TV stations apparently because they believe in my capability. But once they think I am no longer effective, they can take away that privilege. The same arrangement prevails in my relation with Sun.Star Cebu.
Though media is a public service, it is a business endeavor. Media practitioners can strike a balance between public service and revenue. But for the owners, the business aspect prevails. Competition in the industry is stiff, especially in the rating game, which is the basis of advertisement placements. Maybe this was the reason de Castro’s program was axed.
(bgnalzaro@gmanetwork.com)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (January 14, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
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