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April 2, 2002
* vol. 1 (33) |
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Call to Order Pres. Richard Dy Invocation & Four Way Test Billy Teninty National Anthem Luncheon Welcome and Greetings Robert Sibayan Birthday
Celebrators: Wedding
Anniversary: PP Aldy & Rosita Dy - March
24 Introduction
of New Members - Dr. Edgar Biteng Ed. Edward Gaerlan - Mr. Anson Sia Pres. Richard Dy Charge to the New Members PVP Frank Buenaventura Induction
of New Members Pres. Richard Dy Friendship
Session PP Rey Bonifacio President’s Time Pres. Richard Dy Introduction of the Guest Guest of Honor
& Speaker Response Ninoy Gazmen Adjournment Pres. Richard Dy Day Chairman & Master of
Ceremonies Terry Bugarin |
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Centerstage |
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Ms. Rochelle A. Gualberto Miss La Union 2002 |
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APRIL is Rotary Magazine Month |
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EDitorial |
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Editor Edward Gaerlan |
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It is so disturbing that in our country
today we have the penchant to turn moles into molehills. We tend to
exaggerate, sensationalize, and make things bigger than what they really are.
On the other hand, we as a people are easily drifting towards the effortless
acceptance of myth as truth. We are overly engrossed with speculations,
gossips, rumors and allusion. This is bothersome, as we seem to be moving
towards a make-believe world where myth rather than truth prevails. At no other time has media been so
powerful in our society than today that it has become necessary for them to
be more responsible. A fair, truthful and even presentation of the news is so
vital to the political stability, social calmness and economic survival of a
nation. Assuming a bigger responsibility calls for extra care in
determination of the truth of newsworthy items before airing or publishing
them. Every news report must be based on facts, not rumors. The truth of the
contents of a rumor should not be presumed from the mere facts that rumor
exists. Like, say the rumor about a coup d’etat does not necessarily imply
that there is really a plot to overthrow the government as would merit a
headline and continued in sustained daily publication of its unfounded
details. This elevates a mere rumor into the category of legitimate news that
can cause destabilization. A responsible press is also called upon to exercise a higher degree of discretion in deciding whether or not to publish or air news items, which they have ascertained as true. The right to communicate the truth, like any other right, is not absolute. It is subject to some conditions. These situations can be summed into the Christian precept that says: “serving the truth is always first serving others.” Should every newsworthy factual happening be brought out or not? Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? In the |
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infamous 9-11 terrorist
attack TV and video cameras must have captured some other sensational and
more spectacular scenes of the unfolding events, but the stations apparently
chose not to air some of them to avoid offending the sensibilities of a
shocked and grieving nation and to respect the private lives of others.
National Security interest also played a major role in editing the news and
events to be shown and reported. If media is really convinced to
disseminate what they believe is the truth, the report must be fair and
objective. In the Revised Penal Code, a fair and true report made in good
faith, without any comments or remarks, or any judicial, legislative or other
official proceedings, indicates lack of malice in the publication even if it
may contain defamatory imputation. Such guidelines should be observed
especially in their coverage of judicial proceedings. However, it is worrisome that in our
country a “legitimate news” in print or broadcast seldom thrive. Good news,
if not saleable, becomes a bad news in business. |
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A Responsible Press, or Responsible Reader? |
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REGGIE…set...go! Dir. Reggie Chan Asst. Ed. Dindo
Astom |
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vol. 1
(33) * April 2, 2002 |
