Date post: | 28-Nov-2014 |
Category: |
Education |
Upload: | pocholo-gonzales |
View: | 128 times |
Download: | 2 times |
1
ABSTRACT
This is the presentation of Voice of the Youth Network (www.voty.org),
Philippines for the Radio Asia 2006 Conference and “Broadcast Asia 2006”. The
presentation covers both the topics “COMMUNITY RADIO – RADIO ACTIVISM
AND GRASSROOTS RADIO” and “RADIO AND THE WORLD WIDE WEB”.
Contents of this presentation include the background of the organization;
specifically in its radio and Internet experiences as an effective means of
reaching out to the community; the breakthroughs of the organization on its
media projects and it’s pioneering activities in the field of Youth Media.
VOTY has been given free airtimes by radio stations that truly believe in
our advocacies and mission to the Filipino Youth. This is a proof of how worthy
our cause has been throughout the years.
VOTY believes that the synergy of radio and Internet would create a more
powerful impact. Both technologies would compliment one another in providing
better services and realizing the organization’s goals. Radio should not be
threatened by emerging technologies like podcast, and this paper would
precisely prove that.
Young people have always been a powerful, moving force. They are no
longer potentials but people that already made things possible.
2
CONFERENCE TOPICS COVERED:
COMMUNITY RADIO – RADIO ACTIVISM AND GRASSROOTS RADIO
RADIO AND THE WORLD WIDE WEB
PRESENTATION TITLE:
VOICE OF THE YOUTH NETWORK:
SYNERGIZING RADIO AND INTERNET
TOWARDS YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
Introduction:
This paper/presentation covers two of the conference topics – “Community
Radio – Radio Activism and Grassroots Radio” and “Radio and the World Wide
Web”. It is based on the projects, experiences and plans of Voice of the Youth
(VOTY) Network, a multi-awarded and pro-active volunteer – youth organization
and a pioneer of youth media in the Philippines.
VOTY utilizes the combined power of the Internet and the radio, from the
most primitive to the most modern media technology to reach out to the
community and grassroots that we serve, the Filipino Youth anywhere in the
world. VOTY recognizes the power of media in accomplishing our mission of
“informing, inspiring, involving and empowering” the Filipino Youth.
3
I. PROFILE OF VOICE OF THE YOUTH NETWORK
VOTY Network is about encouraging Filipino Youth to believe in
themselves and their ability to make a difference in our country. The organization
creates environments where people are exposed to new thinking, a diversity of
voices, and new opportunities. Driven by youth, their goal is to foster a sense of
leadership, participation and social entrepreneurship through the innovative use
of technology and media, creating meaningful experiences for the youth to
become useful and responsible citizens of the Philippines.
HISTORY
Voice of the Youth was founded in 1996 by a youth advocate, Mr.
Pocholo Gonzales with four other radio broadcasters, voice talents, and singers.
By then, VOTY had its own radio – youth programs, “Barkadahan Radyo –
Radyo,” and “Awit – Tawanan” aired over DZMM 630kHz and “Sey Mo, Sey Ko”
aired over DZRH 666 kHz.
In year 2002, VOTY became an offline and online network, serving as an
incubator of national partnership among youth organizations in the Philippines.
Its mission is to facilitate youth participation and intergenerational partnership in
national decision – making, to support collaboration among diverse youth
4
organizations and to provide tools, resources, and recognition to positive youth
actions in changing the country.
As a national youth network in the Philippines, lead by youth, empowered
by technology, VOTY brings together young people in more than 78 provinces to
collaborate on concrete projects addressing national problems and creating
positive change.
As a powerful force engaging youth in nation building, VOTY…
… Informs the youth about the wealth of opportunities that surrounds them.
… Inspires people to follow their dreams and make a difference.
… Involves people to activities where their voices are heard and where they can
gain a sense of national, global awareness and leadership skills.
… Empowers the youth for them to translate their ideas into realities and
connect from nationwide to global communities.
VOTY AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
GLOBAL YOUTH IN ACTION AWARDS 2004 (New York, USA) - recognize
youth-led solutions, a vital component of the Global Youth Action Network's
(GYAN) efforts to highlight positive ways in which young people are improving
their communities. The winners were selected from 500 applicants worldwide.
The top nine winners are each awarded $1,000 to recognize their
achievements; another 10 young individuals are awarded Honorable
Mentions and prizes of $100. In 2004, the award concentrates on youth-
5
initiated projects that take an innovative approach to problem solving. Voice
of the Youth Network received this award for utilizing information and
communication technology and media to strengthen youth participation,
leadership and empowerment.
YOUTH ACTION NET AWARD OF THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH
FOUNDATION 2003 - is an award to youth leaders and their emerging
projects that promote social change and connect youth with local
communities. These youth-led projects should have clearly defined goals and
have potential for growth or further replication. The awards were presented by
YouthActionNet.Org, an interactive website created by and for youth, which
works to inspire and promote youth leadership worldwide.
VOICE OF THE YOUTH NETWORK WON THE 2ND QUEZON CITY YOUTH
ACHIEVER'S AWARDS FOR COMMUNITY WORK CATEGORY 2003
The Quezon City government through the Office of the Vice Mayor Herbert
M. Bautista recently paid tribute to winners of the 2nd QC Youth Achievers
Award, An award of distinction highlighting the remarkable deeds and
accomplishments of outstanding youth organizations and individuals, in
simple ceremonies held at the Amoranto Multi-Purpose Hall in Scout
Chuatoco, Quezon City. Bautista identified the over-all winner for Community
Works Category as the VOICE OF THE YOUTH NETWORK.
6
THE PEOPLE BEHIND VOTY
MR. POCHOLO “CHOY” GONZALES
FOUNDING CHAIRMAN
26 – year - old Choy has traveled around the world to participate in
international youth events as an ambassador to the Filipino youth. He has been
awarded as an advocate for youth participation, free information to youth
opportunities and youth empowerment and leadership. He is a professional voice
talent on radio, tv and movies; radio announcer and an entrepreneur. He now co-
owns and manages the firm Creativoices Production, a voice-over solutions
expert.
MR. LIONEL “ION” GONZAGA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
22 year – old Ion is a volunteer youth advocate who uses Information and
Communications Technology to help bridge the digital and social divides. A
graduate of BS Computer Science, he believes that the latest technological
innovations can be utilized to respond to the challenges of the society,
particularly with the issues surrounding the youth. The young are the majority of
the consumers of technology and that is the main reason why it plays a huge role
in the development. The Internet can do all what the trimedia can. It is now a
major resource of information for many, and so we need to put valuable
resources in the Internet. Ion also speaks about Youth / Student Leadership, The
7
Role of a Non-Traditional Media, Volunteerism and Service Learning, and
Preparing for a Career.
MR. MARICZAR “EMSIE” REYES LINTAG
MANAGING DIRECTOR AND MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICER
25 –year- old, Emsie is a professional news writer and broadcaster of
DZME 1530 kHz. He also wrote for a radio drama funded by the United Nations
Population Program and Population Media Center. He is a volunteer public
speaker and program manager of youth events and projects.
OTHER OFFICERS
MS. EUNICE CACAITAN
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
MS. PIA MONTALBAN
PROGRAMS
COORDINATOR
MS. FLORENCE OCTAVO
PROGRAM MANAGER FOR
SOCIAL WORKS
MR. RONALD AGUIRRE
PROGRAM MANAGER FOR
ENVIRONMENT
MR. ANGELICUM ODA
PROGRAM MANAGER I.T.
MR. PETER BALTAZAR
DIRECTOR FOR YOUTH
WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
MR. VANJO NALZARO
DIRECTOR FOR
RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT
MR. JERICHO DE LAYOLA
VOLUNTEER MANAGER
MR. RESTY FLORES
DIRECTOR FOR
MEMBERSHIP
MR. RYAN RIVERA
DIRECTOR FOR STUDENT
AFFAIRS
MS. CRISTINE MIRANDA
DIRECTOR FOR FINANCE
II VOTY RADIO EXPERIENCE
8
RADIO PROGRAM PROFILE
TITLE: “Lakas – Kabataan (Youth Power) – Tinig Kabataan (Voice of the
Youth): RECHARGED!!!” (LKTKR)
LKTKR is one of the most innovative AM Radio program for the Filipino
Youth by the Filipino Youth in recent broadcasting history. In August 2004, DZME
1530 kHz AM Radio and VOTY formed a partnership to co – produce a youth
advocacy radio program that allows young broadcast talents, minds and
advocates to focus the spotlight on the Filipino youth’s achievements and
productive role in the society, often being overshadowed by negative news on
mainstream media. It was aired every Saturday, 12:00nn to 1:00pm until October
2005.
Segments of LKTKR:
“Voice Out!” is the prevailing theme regarding current national, societal
and relevant issues. It encourages the youth to voice out and to take a stand on
matters affecting their lives and the society at large. We have invited over a
hundred of speakers, subject matter experts, organizational heads and members,
students, volunteers and a variety of young people to participate in an informative
and inspiring interaction. Topics ranged from leadership, volunteerism, youth
9
activism, politics, governance, personality and skills development, technology,
and education to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
“Bilib Kami Sa’yo!” is the portion where we scouted and recognized
youth leaders, organizations, young achievers and ordinary individuals who are
able to inspire the fellow youth in discovering and utilizing their talents and
pursuing their advocacies.
“Join Ka Dito!” is the segment where we provide free promotion to
different organizations in their activities where young people could get involved
with. This is also the segment where VOTY provided live radio coverage on
several activities and events all over the country.
EVOLUTION OF LAKAS KABATAAN – TINIG KABATAAN: RECHARGED!!!
In 1997, Lakas Kabataan was first aired over DZME 1530 kHz, every
Saturday for the purpose of giving young people a chance to voice out on radio.
Through the years it has become a venue for debates and discussions on youth
social issues. Topics ranged from teen relationships, family values, and
education to political and national issues. Ms. Jenny Navata, now a resident
DZME Broadcaster (Home Buddy, Beat Watch) first hosted the program. Then by
Mr. Dennis Principe, now news and sports anchor of IBC 13 and by Anthony
Bendo, a former news anchor, and deejay and news editor. Lakas Kabataan
10
eventually was taken over by Ms. Suzette Ledesma, now a co-host of the daily
on-air shopping program “Sale ng Bayan”, and DJ Emsie, a senior news writer.
In July 2004, with the goal of creating a more invigorating program that
would further reach out to young people and youth organizations, The Voice of
the Youth (Tinig Kabataan) Network, was invited through it’s founder and
president, Mr. Pocholo D. Gonzales, a voice talent and an internationally
recognized youth advocate that has represented the Philippines in worldwide
youth affairs. Because of VOTY Network’s success as a youth organization, in
August, Lakas Kabataan formally merged with Tinig Kabataan to Recharge the
Filipino youth spirit and evolved into LAKAS KABATAAN - TINIG KABATAAN:
RECHARGED!!!
FEATURED YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS AND PARTNERS:
These are just a few of the youth organizations, events, government and
non-government agencies that LKTKR featured since August 2004. We have
been establishing our partnership with these groups in our advocacy to inspire,
inform and involve the Filipino youth through opportunities for Empowerment.
These organizations strongly endorse our program.
Youth Challenge from Singapore
United Nations Volunteers Philippines
United Nations Children’s Fund
Ramon Magsaysay Awardees
Armed Forces of the Philippines
11
Department of Health
Global Call to Action Against Poverty
Philippine National Red Cross
Kabataan News Network
UP FLIPP
ECPAT
Intouch and Crisis Line
PUP Kataga
UP Paranormal Society
Network of Campus Journalists of the Philippines
Philippine Youth Sphere
Boy Scouts of the Philippines
AIDS Society of the Philippines
United Nations Volunteers for Millennium Development Goal
Kristiyanong Kabataan Para sa Bayan Movement (KKB)
SPECIAL RADIO SERIES ON THE MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS:
“YOUTH VOICES ON AIR: WALKING THE TALK ON THE MDGs”
A joint project of Voice of the Youth Network, Philippine Resources for
Sustainable Development and DZME 1530kHz, aired from August - October
2005.
12
In the march to raising awareness on the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs), the Philippines, most notably through its extensive pool of non-
government organizations (NGOs) and development-oriented institutions, is
progressively gaining public support and continually reaching out to key
stakeholders to do their share to achieve the Goals and targets. Yet there is an
evident lack of inclusive participation and active engagement of and by young
people in this important process of building community consciousness of the
MDGs. It is unfortunate that avenues available for Filipino youth to participate in
the campaign is either limited or simply not there.
This project supported a youth-led multi-phased, multi-media campaign on
“Youth and the MDGs” –aired over the radio, shared via the Internet and
information kits, connected via mobile telephony - with the active participation of
the Government, civil society and business community. It run for two (2) months
with nine (9) 1-hour radio programs, this project is all about instilling active
citizenship among Filipino youth to unite for, to be informed about, and to make a
contribution to the MDGs.
The Need
The project, at its core, addressed the problem of scarcity, if not non-
existence, of genuine opportunities for Filipino youth to be engaged in the MDG
campaign in the Philippines. It will be unwise not to tap the potential of young
people as advocates of the MDGs, especially in the localization and information
dissemination process.
13
Equivalently, the project will contribute to the “positive imaging” of Filipino
youth as key partners in the MDG mainstreaming process. It is widely perceived
by young people themselves that Government agencies, the business community
and civil society groups active in the “MDG-ization” process are not receptive of
involving youth in the campaign and consultation activities because they have a
“negative image” of young people as liabilities, not assets, thus not able to
positively contribute in their activities. By providing an opportunity for young
people themselves to initiate MDG campaign activities, such as the radio series,
a “positive imaging” process will emerge thus changing the way stakeholders
think of youth.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF LKTKR!
Thru this radio program, VOTY has initiated and launched several events
such as “Kabataan Night” – a youth talent and advocacy concert and “Tulungan
Kabataan: HELP FOR HEALTH CAMPAIGN” – a donation drive to support a
medical mission of the Philippine National Red Cross for the typhoon victims in
several provinces.
2005 saw the successful launch of the offspring of LKTKR by VOTY’s
partner organizations in Mindoro, Davao City and in the southernmost part of
the Philippine archipelago, Tawi – tawi, all still being aired in the provinces and
in the process of expanding to wider audience.
14
In the United Nations Summit in New York City USA in 2005, the
special airing of LKTKR in partnership with Philippine Resources for Sustainable
Development (PRSD) of a series for the United Nations Millennium Development
Goals was featured in a presentation of youth efforts all around the world. The
special series entitled: Youth Voices on Air: Walking the Talk on the MDGs
was dedicated to the youth’s contribution to the quest of achieving the MDGs by
2015.
Equally important to the organization is to be able to serve its purpose to
the Filipino youth. It is already an accomplishment for us to be able to inspire
others and to be able to gain respect from different sectors of the society as a
youth organization.
We also made our fellow young people realize that the force and industry
of radio broadcasting is still powerful in the midst of modern media and could still
be a fruitful career in the future.
LISTENER IMPACT
The major challenge for the program was to get the attention of its target
listeners, the young people, who are preoccupied with a lot of activities in school,
in playing online games and going out during the weekends. It may not be usual
for the youth to listen to AM Radio that has somehow become associated with
older listeners. However, the former timeslot of LKTKR that is preceded by
15
DZME’s ultimate Sports Program, Usapang Sports hosted by Ms. Beth Selis, is
considered an advantage.
LKTKR faced this challenge through the utilization of the Internet. Through
Voice of the Youth Network’s official website, www.voty.org, and its e-mailing list
of over a hundred thousand, information and promotion is just a click away. As
we have featured several organizations with large youth membership, we saw
their enthusiasm for the program.
We’ve received text messages, emails and shout outs from the National
Capital Region and nearby provinces giving positive feedback for our efforts.
III VOTY INTERNET EXPERIENCE
ONLINE BEGINNINGS
VOTY used www.kabataan.htmlplanet.com for its first website in 1998
followed by www.freewebs.com/tinigkabataan, until it’s official site was launched,
www.voty.org in 2002, at the same time Voice of the Youth Network, in it’s
present structure was formed. The website contains information on youth
advocacy and participation; calendar of local, national and international events;
newsletter; relevant links and issues.
E-mail discussion groups also enable youth to share what they know and
network with one another. Such use of the Internet makes a whole lot of
16
difference compared to online gaming, inappropriate web browsing and the usual
chat that young people are spending so much bandwidth, money and time with.
ONLINE BREAKTHROUGHS
Among the breakthroughs of VOTY as a youth organization that primarily
utilizes the Internet for information dissemination is its global affiliation.
TakingITGlobal.org, International Youth Parliament, the British Council, UNICEF,
Global Youth Action Network Inc. and Youth Service America are just a few of
the international organizations VOTY has sustained partnership with in terms of
advocacy.
VOTY is the first youth organization that has been connected with around
a hundred countries through it’s email groups, subscriptions and website. Such
connections lead to the realization of how active the youth from other parts of the
world are and how their collective efforts could create major impact.
From 2003 to 2005, VOTY has become a national coordinator and partner
for the celebrations of the annual Global Youth Service Day which is being
observed and documented by international organizations. Most VOTY members
and founders have also participated in youth events all over the world.
Several local projects of VOTY have also been featured in foreign-based
online newsletters and e-groups. Once again, through the Internet, foreign bodies
are first to recognize Filipino milestones.
17
For our own country’s youth, VOTY maximizes the Internet as it offers
influential and creative means to inform, inspire, involve and ultimately, empower.
A critical component of VOTY's efforts is the use of the Internet to facilitate
communication and information sharing that are once being dominated by certain
international youth groups and organizations. VOTY believes that empowerment
starts with awareness, and to be aware is to be informed first. Information could
be worthwhile opportunities that truly inspire and involve the youth to eventually
make a difference in the society. The activities of VOTY offline and in
communities all over the country make the information all the more meaningful.
Through the Internet, VOTY has also been successful in creating
partnership with local youth organizations and most importantly, in inspiring and
reaching out to the Filipino Youth wherever they are in the archipelago from the
Northern Luzon to Tawi-tawi in Mindanao. VOTY boasts of online members and
active coordinators all over the country. VOTY has not only debunked the digital
divide but bridged regional, cultural and religious gaps as well. VOTY
continuously receives emails from young people who voices out, wanting to take
part of nation building and share the organization’s pro-active vision. Also,
through a massive email brigade, VOTY has never failed in gathering young
volunteers and participants in worthwhile youth events and endeavors.
Even if there is 11.8 million Internet users in the country at present (2005)
and the figure is expected to double in the coming years, still millions of young
people in the country have not been introduced to computers.
18
However, cellular phones have undeniably penetrated almost everyone
from all walks of life, especially now that access is getting as cheap as it gets.
Not to be left out, VOTY once again infuses youth empowerment to mobile
technology. This is through the VOTY Power Groups using General Packet
Radio Service. Simply by typing ENTER VOTY and sending to 2213 makes one
already a cyber-member, receiving updates on youth events. Internet services
even provide technically free SMS and MMS services through providers, which
has been used ever so often by VOTY members to release information. But
another first and innovation of VOTY is the utilization of Wireless Access Protocol
(www.tagtag.com/voty) that enables the mobile phone user to access the VOTY
website.
Another first for VOTY in cyberspace is our recent venture to “podcasting”
which is to be discussed in the succeeding presentation.
VOTY ON PODCAST:
SYNERGY OF INTERNET AND RADIO
AND IMMORTALIZING 24/ 7 RESOURCES
Not to be left out in the fast-paced development of the Internet technology,
VOTY found the potential of Podcasting (online - recorded audio broadcast) to
19
somewhat “immortalize” previous episodes of our radio program, LAKAS –
KABATAAN – TINIG KABATAAN: RECHARGED!!!
Special recorded - episodes of LKTKR are now made available anytime,
anywhere in the world through www.voty.podomatic.com.
The website, www.podomatic.com, provides podcast services to
everyone, where audio and video files could be uploaded with a limit of 250MB
uploaded files a month.
It is arguable that podcasting and radio broadcasting could be a threat, at
first, to one another, just likes how blogs affected other printed media. However,
VOTY believes that radio and podcast, regardless of their technological
extremes, should be used complimentary to maximize their combined benefits.
WHAT IS PODCAST?
Podcasting or Podcast came from the word I-POD, the popular MP3 and
video player by Apple Macintosh and the term "broadcast", to distribute or make
known. Although it is generally the idea to promote I-PODs with this new
medium, APPLE Macintosh agrees IPOD is not a requirement to listen to
podcasts. With podcasting, anyone can create his own personal diary, setup
audio presentations for Internet subscriptions, and even commentaries all in
20
cyberspace. It is like a personalized radio station over the Internet, minus the
expensive airtime and also, the live broadcast.
Because it is downloadable, people can listen to their favorite "podcast"
through their MP3 players, IPODs and computers anywhere. Now there is an
estimated 20 million subscribers in the US alone.
In the Philippines, VOTY founder Mr. Pocholo Gonzales is one of the
pioneers of this emerging technology. He now heads and manages Creativoices,
the only company that provides podcasting – related services in the Philippines.
BENEFITS OF RECORDED RADIO BROADCAST ON PODCAST
Hear it over and over again!
There are too many good live episodes in the radio that truly
deserve to be listened to once more. Although VOTY has been
documenting the transcripts and summaries of radio episodes, it is still a
different thing to be able hear the actual voices of commentators, in our
case, the youth. Through podcast, the radio episodes are available 24/7
worldwide.
21
Edit out!
It is hard to prevent bloopers in live radio broadcast. Podcast gives
the commentator/announcer another chance to be redeemed through
editing. Some mistakes, dead – air or other blunders could be edited
out once recorded for podcast.
An available media resource
We believe that quality episodes of radio programs should be used
for research and studies. Making these episodes available online
would be a huge help for anyone needing reliable and quality
information.
Worldwide audience
Not all radio stations are being aired simultaneously over the
Internet. This is the chance for them to be able to reach a wider or
rather a global audience.
Immortalizing your voice
Don’t let your hard work fade away with the airwaves. Record,
upload and keep it alive through podcast. This way, listeners would
definitely patronize you and your cause more than ever.
22
The “cool” factor
Admittedly, most young people are no longer into listening to the
radio, specifically the AM band no matter how good the programming is.
Some are almost no longer aware of its existence because of
preoccupation to alternative and cooler media and the cyberspace.
However, Radio on podcast could change that attitude.
ADJUSTMENTS TO PODCASTS
Majority of Filipinos are still not hooked up on the Internet. This is the
reason why radio remains as a powerful media in the country. There is still a very
long way to go, or maybe it’s almost impossible for radio to become obsolete.
However, to those already attuned to Internet, many are still yet to
discover the potential of podcast. There is still a lot of chance for individuals to
become podcast pioneers in the Philippines.
There are also still unclear regulations or laws regarding the rebroadcast
of radio episodes over the Internet. VOTY had a mutual agreement with the
management of the radio station to upload the program’s episodes. Evidently,
even radio stations could benefit from the free worldwide promotions they are
getting from podcasts.
23
CONCLUSION
FUTURE PLANS OF VOTY
Aside from the re-airing of LKTKR through podcast, VOTY is also in the
works of returning on-air, over the radio. This effort is in partnership with the
United Nations Volunteers Philippines. The offshoots of our radio program are
continually progressing in provinces where our previous broadcasts were not
able to reach.
VOTY is also in the works of producing new podcasts to be published
soon on www.voty.podomatic.com. We believe that media technology, regardless
of its advancement, should be fully utilized to be able to reach more to
communities and to the grassroots level. Radio and the Internet should go hand
in hand in involving the often misrepresented and unrecognized youth to nation
building.
Voice of the Youth Network made media, participation, volunteerism, and
empowerment in the Filipino Youth as inclusive and technologically driven – a
feat that has never been done before and will never fail to evolve with the
challenges of the modern age.
24
Annex
Photos of VOTY officers of members at the radio station itself.
25
Sources:
http://www.voty.org
http://www.pochologonzales.com
http://voty.i.ph/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=DZMESHOTS
Presentation Authors
Mr. Pocholo Gonzales, Founding Chairman, VOTY
Mr. Lionel Gonzaga; Executive Director, VOTY
Mr. Mariczar Reyes Lintag, Managing Director, VOTY
Mr. Brian Ligsay of Creativoices Productions
Mr. Robert Sagun
Founding Chairman, Philippine Resources for Sustainable
Development (PRSD)