Welcome to my Philippines News Blog. Whether you're a curious student, a Filipino or my journalism instructor checking to see I maintain this blog, feel free to stop by often. Assuming most of my readers have no idea why my ramblings are on an internet page, I shall tell you it is for an assignment. I must report, comment and liason newsworthy items, dealing with the Philippines, from different sources to you. And yes...you are most welcome. Okay, let's start!
The birth of news media in the Philippines began with the liberation of the island nation from its Spanish overlords. With the signing of the Treaty of Paris in December 1898, the mantle of "benevolent dictator" fell to the United States of America. The first few newspapers, such as the Manila Times and La Democracia, followed the American tradition of journalism. Not to mention, the early newspapers were also meant to sophisticate the "barbaric" natives of the Philippines. (By the way all the information I'm spewing out can be traced back to here: http://www.pressreference.com/No-Sa/Philippines.html)
Though modeled after an American-style of free press, the U.S. gov't made sure to limit anti-American propoganda in the papers, sometimes even through deporatation and imprisonment. By the way, most Filipino newspapers were in English to accomodate the U.S. forces and representatives stationed throughout the island nation. The tyranny of a constricted press was finally relieved when the Philippines gained its independence during the closing chapters of World War II. The free press of the Philippines led to a more progressive form of journalism.
According to the website previously listed,"At the turn of the twenty-first century, national newspapers numbered eight from a high of 22 in 1986, according to the World Press Review. Slightly more than 400 community newspapers, most weeklies or monthlies in English are found amid the nation's 7,100 islands. 45,000."
Unfortunately an island nation with a free press system does not necessarily mean the press has the right to excercise it. Alot of times, corruption from high political places see to that. Due to the massacre of at least 50 people, 18 of which were journalists, the Philippines was deemed the world's most dangerous country for reporters. Follow this link for the story: http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/11/25/philippines.danger/
Very informative. Well done!
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