Traditionally, journalists serve as gatekeepers of information, but with the advent of the internet, that role has been challenged as the public has gained direct access to a vast library of information. With the emergence of social media came the rise of content creators, who pose a significant challenge to journalists as primary sources of information.
Photo: Lyza Aquino/Instagram
Acknowledging their presence in the media landscape, ABS-CBN News reporter Lyza Aquino reminded content creators that they, too, share the obligation of journalists to provide the public with factual and meaningful information.
“Choose your stories and content wisely. Ang lawak ng reach mo, hindi mo maiisip ang damage na nagagawa mo hanggang sa nangyari na siya. Hindi mo na siya mababawi pa ’pag nalabas mo na ’yan. Grabe ang power na mayroon ka—’yung reach mo. So, kumbaga, magiging responsible ka lang sa kung ano ’yong mga content na gagawin mo para sa mga tao,” Aquino said in content creator Russco Jarvina’s YouTube vlog.
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The 34-year-old journalist also reminded Jarvina that content creators like him should consider the potential impact of their content on the public, especially on children who might be watching and idolizing them.
“You ask yourself: ‘Kailangan ba talaga natin itong ilabas?’ ‘Bakit natin siya dapat ilabas?’ ‘Anong mapupulot ng mga tao na maganda—na aral—kapag nilabas natin siya?’ At pinakamahalaga sa lahat, ‘May malalabag ba akong batas?’” Aquino mentioned. “Be responsible lang with what you air kasi people look up to you.”
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The ABS-CBN reporter recently participated in Jarvina’s YouTube series, A-Z Job Challenge, where the 23-year-old content creator explores different occupations and immerses himself in various professions, following the alphabet to see how demanding the jobs are.
His vlog episode, “Can I Keep Up With A TV Patrol Crime Reporter?,” shadowed Aquino throughout her day as a journalist, interviewing people, writing stories, and reporting live, showing viewers the process of creating the news.
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Through his vlog, many viewers realized the distinction between a journalist and a content creator, and noted that they gained newfound respect for the profession.
“Grabe impact ng video na ‘to sa akin. Super inspiring siya, and ‘di mo talaga akalain na ganito pala life ng mga journalists, ‘no? Kasi tuwing nakikita sila, lagi lang salita at tanong. ‘Yun pala, there’s more to it than just talking in front of a camera. Not only do they have to do those things, but at the same time, they also carry heavy weights like composing their emotions and having to focus on their job while facing such difficult situations,” one viewer commented.
“Kita niyo ’yan? Iba ang journalist sa influencers/vloggers. Kaya ‘wag na ‘wag ninyong minamaliit ang buhay ng journalist kasi kita niyo naman ang proseso ng araw-araw nilang ginagawa. They report with facts, conduct valid interviews, and maintain high standards of responsibility and integrity,” another user added.
For many, Jarvina’s vlog demonstrated that no matter how closely vloggers try to shadow reporters, the passion, rigor, and dedication real journalists pour into every story reinforce their role as true gatekeepers of news.
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