It’s never been harder to be a journalist in the Philippines. From covering the chaos of politics to the challenges of speaking truth to power and the existential threat of fake news and AI, more and more journalists are facing life-changing questions about holding the line.
Four journalists — Facts First host Christian Esguerra, independent journalist Chiara Zambrano, The Straits Times correspondent Mara Cepeda, and Rappler senior multimedia reporter Bea Cupin — share their personal takes on how to survive this era of journalism and the state of the nation in this episode of the Rolling Stone Philippines Roundtable.
Adjust Your State of Mind
For Esguerra, a journalist needs to have a sense of mission to survive in the field. “Either you have it, or you don’t,” Esguerra says firmly. “Hindi pwedeng papasok ka sa industry na wala kang sense of mission, na wala kang higher purpose.” He added that a journalist who has no purpose might get to stay in the industry for about five to ten years, but would eventually feel burnt out. Cupin added to the conversation, saying that part of it comes from accepting that “it’s okay to feel burned out,” and that each journalist has their limitations.
Have A Touch of Chaos
“To survive as a journalist, especially in the Philippines, kailangan yung baseline mo has a touch of chaos,” Cupin says, describing the prerequisite for surviving the daily realities of journalism in the country. She stated that beyond covering major disasters or breaking news, reporters are constantly forced to adapt to unexpected problems, from a sudden loss of signal to an unplanned official appearing at a rally.
The job demands the ability to think quickly and accept the baseline to thrive. As Cupin adds, “You have to think of a plan B, ura-urada. I mean, that’s the kind of baseline chaos na you have to figure out on the fly. You don’t know how to get there, but you have to run.”
Resting Is Okay
Zambrano, on the other hand, acknowledges that being strict on one’s boundaries won’t really come naturally to a person who has their heart on journalism — a field that requires them to always rush towards a story or to continue pushing themselves despite seeming limits. But she also believes that it’s okay for journalists to rest when needed. “Dapat kasali rin siguro sa training or orientation yung ‘iho iha, pag pagod ka na, pwedeng mapagod,’” she says. Journalists are no lone wolves nor ragtag doing this for themselves, and media institutions must also support their personnel. Zambrano further pointed out the importance of having networks.
Develop A Life Outside of Work
Cepeda says a journalist needs to “develop an identity outside of the job, even if it’s a ‘calling.” She cited the time of Duterte’s administration, when death threats and disinformation networks against journalists were rampant, saying that if one does not have a clear identity of themselves, it would be easy to believe hate comments. “Outside of being a journalist, kapatid ka, asawa ka, ate ka, anak ka. You have to protect yourself,” Cepeda added.
The full episode of the new Rolling Stone Philippines Roundtable is now up on YouTube.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Facts First host Christian Esguerra, independent journalist Chiara Zambrano, The Straits Times correspondent Mara Cepeda, and Rappler senior multimedia reporter Bea Cupin participated in the latest episode of the Rolling Stone Philippines Roundtable.
According to the journalists on the Rolling Stone Philippines Roundtable, a journalist can deal with burnout by recognizing that exhaustion is normal, respecting personal limits, taking time to rest, and relying on support networks.
Journalist Mara Cepeda said developing an identity outside of the job, even if it’s a ‘calling,’ is a way to protect oneself.
According to journalists Christian Esguerra, Chiara Zambrano, Mara Cepeda, and Bea Cupin, having a sense of mission or higher purpose is important for surviving in the field. Journalists also need to accept their limitations, adapt to unexpected situations, and know when to rest.
For Cupin, having a “touch of chaos” means being prepared to deal with the unexpected. Journalists need to think quickly, create Plan B solutions on the fly, and adapt when circumstances suddenly change.
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