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 →If 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
I don't think journalism changes. It's about digging into stories and telling them well. The basic tenets of great reporting stay the same while things around it change. Technology has made reporting easier, but it has also caused job loss. Social media has increased discussion around topics, but it has its own challenges at times.
The Post-Dispatch will serve no party but the people; be no organ of Republicanism, but the organ of truth; will follow no causes bit its conclusions; will not support the Administration, but criticize it; will oppose all frauds and shams wherever or whatever they are; will advocate principles and ideas rather than prejudices and partisanship.
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.
My inclination, as an old-school, classically trained journalist, is not to go with a story unless I have it hard. It's not good enough to say something based on rumors that were flying around.
Journalism without a moral position is impossible. Every journalist is a moralist. It's absolutely unavoidable.
Purchasing a story in order to bury it is a practice that many in the tabloid industry call 'catch and kill.'