Great responsibility

By Glaiza Bernadeth Pinto

“Get it first. Get it fast. Get it right.”

I always hear these words ringing in my head every time I enter the room of my journalism classes. Sometimes I recite these to myself and I feel a push for me to aim to be a journalist. But sometimes too I get negative thoughts, like counter-attacks against every positive thought in my mind.

Here’s how it sometimes goes: I want to be a Journalist. But it is not easy. I want to be journalist. But I do not know if I can. I want to be journalist. But I am afraid. Still, I want to be a journalist.

I know that being a Journalist is not a simple job. In fact, it is included in the top ten most dangerous jobs in the whole world – and we do not have to look far for an example: our founder here at The Sunday Punch, Ermin Garcia Sr., died in the line of duty. But I still believe that danger is everywhere so it can never affect my decision whether I want to be a journalist or not.

What really fascinates me about this job is the reality behind the supposed glamour of the profession.

The demands of true professional journalism, especially in this day and age, are not easy: Be punctual. Be principled. Be objective. Be resourceful. Be service-oriented. Be responsible. Have fondness for people. Know technological advances. Practice accuracy. And these are only some of the unwritten code for the people who work professionally.

But what is different with this profession compared to others? Aside from having its own code of ethics, it is often said that with this profession, “one can make a difference.” For the output is not just a simple writing, it involves “social responsibilities – to be the watchdog, to render accurate information and to educate the public” — the words of one of my professors, Rolly Fernandez, who is the Northern Luzon bureau chief of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Now remember Spiderman’s words? “With great power comes great responsibility.” Power is associated with the word responsibility; like the power of the media and the journalist have responsibility to the public. My professors at the University of the Philippines Baguio in more ways than one keep reiterating the lesson for us journalist-wannabes: “always think of the public…of the readers.”

Yes, journalists have power. They can filter information. They also have access to information. They can gain credibility and popularity. But with all these come the responsibilities. And that responsibility starts as they research a story, cover the beat and most especially when they write.

Honestly, when I entered the tertiary level of education I was not all that sure yet if I really wanted to be journalist. But now on my fourth year in the course, I have come to appreciate and love the profession more and more. Judging from the small number of students pursuing a degree in journalism nowadays, I understand that there are many other professions out there that are more attractive. And no profession is less than any other.

So the doubts linger — Can I really do it? Can I really be a true journalist?

I am excited and at the same time scared.

But there is one thing I am truly certain — I love journalism and to be a journalist is what I dream to be.

(Readers may reach columnist at marifijara@gmail.com. For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/roots/
For reactions to this column, click “Send MESSAGES, OPINIONS, COMMENTS” on default page.)

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