Significance of New Media on the Practice of Investigative Journalism
If before we only have Traditional Media to disseminate information especially in terms of news and investigative reports now we already have New Media. It is also known as Digital Media which has a big part in delivering necessary information to the public. It is a good way to reach everyone everywhere anytime. It is also a good way not only for huge news companies but also for independent journalist to let people know what they want to let them know. Just like the case of Ms. Marites Vitug where she aimed to publish the book she wrote. It became possible for her to distribute her book but only through "small bookstores" where she can only reach small percent of readers compared if she had it in National Book Store for example. It's hard to convince publishers to publish your book especially if it is kind of "controversial". And even you did so it will be hard to reach your target market. There is this Youtube account I found a couple of years ago called the PinoyMonkeyPride, there they made a video regarding the Congjuangcos and the Aquinos, the People Power, and anything about the Filipinos and its government. It is not the typical-sometimes-boring-documentaries-or-compilations-of facts, it is a creative way of telling people that there is something they need to know. Their videos already earned hundred-thousands and millions of viewers it shows that it is a good medium to use to say something important to the people.
I love watching documentaries of different sorts.These are the windows to the real world. They clearly shows the world around us. No scripts, no actors and actresses, no take twos they are genuine and based on facts. There are so many documentaries that can be watched now a days on Philippine tv. And New Media also has a big impact in creating and spreading these eye-openers in the world of internet. From award winning documentaries to amateurs' and to students' documentary creations, many can be found on the internet. If you can remember there is this documentary film the GMA News and Public Affairs created called Camera ni Juan: Pelikulang Binuo ng Mamamayan. It is a docu-film created by different types Filipinos from different parts of the country. A compilation of amateur videos they took using cellphone camera or digital camera to create a whole film and it was directed for visual direction by Brillante Mendoza. It is a film to serve as an eye-opener to what our country faces in reality. I can say that this is one of the most successful and most meaningful use of the new media. It really shows that anyone can contribute and send a message asking a for change.
But we should always remember that we have to be responsible enough in doing something especially investigative journalism. There will always be risk in doing investigative report but it does not mean we should stop doing what we think is right. We should also keep in mind that the are ethics to follow and principles to be kept in my and in heart. Loyalty to the citizens, the obligation is to the truth and ethical behavior are some of the things we must consider.
Remember that DOING THE RIGHT THING TAKES COURAGE AND STRENGTH!
Shadow of Doubt: Probing the Supreme Court by Ms. Marites Vitug
GMA News and Public Affairs' Camera ni Juan: Pelikulang Binuo ng Mamamayan Teaser:
PinoyMonkeyPride Youtube account:
