The social media platforms have taken over the distribution of news globally. They treat a lie the same way you would treat a fact.
The difference between Rappler and other newsgroups in the Philippines is that journalists control Rappler both editorially and commercially. We make decisions that are bad for business but protect the public sphere.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Rappler prioritizes public interest over commercial gain, unlike many other news organizations.
In this quote, Maria Ressa highlights the unique position of Rappler in the Philippines' media landscape. While many newsgroups often prioritize profitability and commercial interests, Rappler maintains editorial independence, allowing its journalists to make choices that serve the public good, even if those decisions may negatively impact the company's financial performance. This commitment reflects a broader ethos in journalism that values accountability and integrity over mere business success.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about media ethics, I might reference Maria Ressa's commitment to journalistic integrity.
More from Maria Ressa
All quotes βIf you want to rip the heart out of a democracy, you go after the facts. That's what modern authoritarians do. You lie. All the time. Then, you say it's your opponents and the journalists who lie.
Embrace your fear. Imagine what you're most afraid of, touch it and hold it so that you rob it of its power.
Let me go back to a fundamental thing we all used to agree on: information is power. That's why we became journalists in the first place.
Technology enabled Rappler's fast growth starting in 2012, but we were also among the first victims when social media was weaponized in 2016.
In 14 months, my government, the Philippine 2 government, has filed 11 cases. I posted bail eight times, I've been arrested twice in five weeks, detained once, and the only thing I've done, my only crime is to be a journalist, to speak truth to power.
Similar quotes
Purchasing a story in order to bury it is a practice that many in the tabloid industry call 'catch and kill.'
Whenever you're reporting, there's always something you can't say or write, but the questions, you always want to get as close to that line as possible. You want to ask the tough questions.
I feel no compulsion to be a pundit. As a matter of fact, I really don't have that much to say about most things. Working with hard news satisfies me completely.
The Center for Public Integrity is the real thing. A group of dedicated people who remember that great journalism is about grit and guts and stamina and razor-sharp instincts. They are, thank heaven, here to stay.
Newspapers that are truly independent, like The Washington Post, can still aggressively investigate anyone or anything with no holds barred.
If information is true, if it can be verified, and if it's really important, the newspaper needs to be willing to take the risk associated with using unidentified sources.