Espina: We must look to ourselves as agents of change

After an earlier report of a plane crash in Negros Occidental was debunked by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, who confirmed all aircraft intended for Bacolod–Silay Airport and Mactan–Cebu International Airport were accounted for, the Bacolod City chapter of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) reminded media practitioners to ensure accuracy in their reporting, calling fake news “a threat to free press.”

“We have to remember there is a threat to free press, especially the proliferation of fake news, which sole purpose is to discredit legitimate news outlets,” explained NUJP-Bacolod chairperson Marchel Espina. “As members of the ‘fourth estate,’ we can’t be irresponsible [with] our news reports as the public relies on us for the truth.”

The story was first reported on a local radio broadcast.

“We have a duty to our readers, listeners, viewers, and followers to be responsible,” Espina added. “We have to ensure credibility, balance, and accuracy in our reporting.”

The NUJP-Bacolod chair also indicated the media’s role is to shape the nation.

“We must look to ourselves as agents of change,” Espina explained. “We play an important role in shaping the nation.”

“We always have to be mindful about the welfare of society,” she added./WDJ