Impact of Journalistic Perils on Media Practitioners

8/8/2019 Impact of Journalistic Perils on Media Practitioners

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Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND A REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Media has become an inevitability nowadays. Its influence on our lives

cannot be denied. Since its inception, media has transformed through the

help of technological advances into an indispensable tool for providing

entertainment, disseminating information, and expressing ideas.

At present, media is encountered by people everyday. The television,

radio, newspaper, and even the internet have already fortified their status as

invaluable devices for publicity and persuasion because of their

pervasiveness in our daily routines. Hence, media has remained through the

years as the undisputable agency for journalism.

Journalism is widely deemed as a noble profession. It is unquestionably

an expression of democracy and freedom. In spite of the meager salary, the

pressure of deadlines, and the time-consuming work, young people still

aspire to become journalists because of the intangible benefits the career

offers such as the power of the press and the fulfillment of serving as a

vessel of truth to their fellowmen.

Since time immemorial, journalism has offered a voice to the voiceless.

It has become the first draft of history. It has played a crucial role especially

in our society by functioning as a watchdog for the people. Through the

collection, investigation, verification, and presentation of information

regarding current events, issues, and personalities, journalism has operated

as a guard against malpractices and inefficiencies in public administration

working under the banner of the freedom of speech supposedly upheld and

protected by the Constitution. However, in the performance of this

responsibility, media practitioners practically lay down their lives. The great

power and obligation that complements the profession of journalism

oftentimes lead journalists to hazardous consequences. At times, media men


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find themselves on the firing end of death threats and life threatening

attacks.

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) asserted in

its official website on 2005 that murder is the leading cause of job-related

deaths among journalists worldwide. In fact, it has listed the Philippines as

the most murderous country of all for journalists toppling Iraq, Colombia,

Bangladesh, and Russia in the five most murderous countries for journalists

category.

Committee to Protect Journalist (CPJ) also pointed out that in most

cases, journalists were murdered in retaliation for reporting on government

corruption, crime, drug trafficking, or the activities of rebel groups.

Furthermore, the Committee to Protect Journalists (2005) presented

disturbing statistics. In more than 85 percent of these slayings, CPJ found,

the killers have gone unpunished. The five Most Murderous Countries have

the worst records. Of the 58 murders in those nations, all have been

committed with impunity.

While having their practicum in journalism, the researchers were given

ideas by professional journalists on how they encounter perilous situations

because of their careers. The researchers were also able to observe during

the course of their practicum the initial reactions of certain journalists when

they were informed that a colleague in the profession had been brutally

ambushed and murdered. This circumstance bestowed upon them the desire

to look deeper and examine closely the effects of these dangerous

encounters to the performance of journalistic duties.

Hence, this study will dwell on the effects of these media men killings

and other perilous encounters to the duty performance of journalists. It aims

to discover if these circumstances have made media practitioners much

bolder or less courageous in performing their sworn task. Moreover, the study

seeks to put a twist to the worn-out clich and find out which between the


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pen and the sword is indeed mightier. The pen represents the journalists and

the sword represents the journalists attackers. If these attacks overwhelm

the journalists then it will prove that the attackers are mightier than the

journalists. On the contrary, if the journalists conviction becomes stronger

because of the attacks, then it will prove otherwise.

Review of Related Literature

Journalism ranks as a glamorous and noble profession. However, terms

in journalism are often taken for granted. This section intends to cite related

literature that will present an overview of journalism as a profession and

vocation as well as provide information about the dangers journalists have to

face in the performance of their duties and responsibilities. A brief

background of the Inoculation Theory employed in this study is also included.

Moreover, reactions of journalists against the oppression in their professions

are also cited.

Taking Journalism Seriously

Zelizer (2004) asserts that the most recognizable terms used in

journalism are journalists, news, media, communication and information.

Journalist is a term that is defined as one who writes in a journal or

diary. It initially connotes someone who systematically records certain

happenings within a specified timeframe and tends to make that record

public. Today, journalists are referred to as individuals who engage in a

number of related activities such as reporting, criticisms, editorializing, and

the conferral of judgment on the shape of things.

News refers to a report of a recent or current event or information

published in a newspaper or other periodicals. In the final analysis, news

maybe defined as any accurate fact or idea that will interest a large number

of readers (Pant, 2004).


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Media on the other hand, refers to the mediating agencies that transmit

information. Rodmon (2001) asserts that in its singular term, the word

medium refers to an interposed device through which shared messages are

conveyed rather than face-to-face. Media come in different forms such as the

print media (books, magazine and newspaper), broadcast media (television

and radio), digital media (computers, the world wide wed and gadgets like

video games), and the entertainment media (all of those mentioned plus

movies and recordings). Each medium is the basis of the giant industry, but

other related and supporting industries also serve them and us, such as

advertising and public relations (Baran, 2002).

Lastly, communication is referred to as the act of imparting, conferring,

or delivering from the sender to the receiver, while information is referred to

the knowledge acquired in any manner. Both communication and information

gives emphasis on news makingby which we mean the delivery of

information as well as the content of the relay.

How Journalists Talk About Journalism

According to Burns (2002), media practitioners talk about journalism in

different ways that is describe by Robert Parker as Synthetic Knowledge or

the kind of knowledge that is embodied in habit and custom rather than that

which forms the core of formalized systems. The following are five of the

most prominent references in journalists discussion of their craft:

Journalism as a sixth sensea news sense. Lord Riddell, a long-time

newspaper editor states that all true journalists possess an itch to

communicate the news to the public. Journalists have a nose for news or

smelling out news-- The characteristic of a journalist that refers to the skill

of recognizing news.

Journalism as a container--news is referred to as a phenomenon with

volume, materiality, dimension, depth, and even complexity. It is seen to


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contain news, and holds information for the public until it can appraise what

has happen.

Journalism as a mirror--- in this view, news is considered to be the lens

of the word. It is seen as all that happens, without any filtering or

sensationalism on the part of the journalist. Journalists must only gaze on

what is happening in the real world objectively. Likewise, journalists should

report the news as it happened.

Journalism as a child---journalism is referred to as a phenomenon in

need of nurturing, attending, supervision, and care. Thus, journalist served as

the care-takers of news. Relevant catch-praises on this view are: Putting

paper to bed which involves the closing of the press for the night. While

sitting on a story, involves taking care of the story until it is time for

publication. The terms pampering or coddling a story refers to

elaborating unsubstantiated story line. On the contrary breaking news

refers to the story that is new, and in need of finishing refinement, or further

nurturing by journalists. Killing a story involves the editor-in-chief deciding

that a given news item needs no further attention.

Journalism as a service. This positions journalists in the service of public

interest and in conjunction with the needs of citizenship. It connotes service

both in the profession and in the community.

Each of these options shows that journalists experience their craft in

complicated ways. Their regard for journalism suggests a strong sense of

responsibility for the news that is complicated by both its materiality and its

continual and ever changing world. At the same time, journalists regard the

public dimensions of what they do as critical to a definition of their own work

as journalists.

Journalism as a Profession

Facts are sacred, comment is free -- C.P. Scott


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Journalism is the ultimate expression of democracy and freedom. Its

focused is on knowing the right question to ask; being able to ask it in the

most knowledgeable and open way, and then being able to communicate it in

the most interesting, creative and forceful manner (Herbert, 2002). A

journalist plays an important role not only in informing people but also in

influencing their thinking and attitudes. Therefore, a journalist must act with

a profound sense of responsibility towards the society.

The social responsibility of journalists is of paramount importance. It is

widely recognized that journalism is the mirror of the society. A journalist

acts as the spokesman of mankind. Therefore, he must surpass the challenge

of finding a way to negotiate the often-competing professional, commercial

and ethical considerations involved in finding and presenting news while

adhering to a perception of journalism as playing an important role in society

(Burns 2002).

Aside from the social responsibility, a journalist is also bound by certain

professional obligations to honor. Basically, a journalist is responsible in

disseminating information in all circumstances. The information helps the

readers to make-up their mind on vital issues, and may also have a role in

shaping their attitudes. Thus, a journalist must act and write with great sense

of responsibilities because their writings have a tremendous impact on the

society. The stories must not be distorted, suppressed or exaggerated to fit

anybodys personal interest- not his own, nor his proprietors or business

group. The interest of the readers at large must always be given priority.

Furthermore, as professionals in the field, journalists adhere to a standard

code of ethics.

Journalistic Code of Ethics

The code of ethics of the society of professional journalists, clearly

distinguishes between advocacy and reporting, and emphasizing professional

integrity in public interest. (Burns, 2002).


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Journalism, just like any other profession, has a code of ethics. Ethics

that imply the norms which journalists must uphold and cherish in order to

keep the integrity and sanctity of the profession intact. In its preamble, the

code of ethics describes the professional journalist as employed in private

enterprises, but with public responsibility (Burns, 2002).

The Search for Truth

Ideally, journalists first obligation is to the truth. On this, there is

absolute agreement and also utter confusion: everyone agrees that

journalists must tell the truth. Yet people are puzzled about what the truth

means.

Though truthfulness is a complicated and sometimes a contradicting

phenomenon, but is seen as a process overtime, journalists can get at it. It

attempts to get at the truth in a confused world by stripping information first

of any attached misinformation, disinformation, or self-promoting

information, and then letting the community react and the sorting out

process ensue (Kovach & Rosenstiel, 2001).

The Canon of Objectivity

One of the primary expectations of journalistic practice is that they will

gather and handle in formation objectively. Part of the culture of journalism is

that journalist will not pursue a political or social agenda, rather, their

professional agenda is of getting all relevant information from all relevant

sources. That information should be presented accurately and fairly. This

orientation is referred to as objectivity. It is a practice that aims to remove

any kind of distortion and guarantees full and fair accounts are given.

(Kovach and Rosenstiel, 2001)

Accuracy


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Accuracy is the central reason for much of what editor does. It is

defined as getting the facts right and getting to the truth of the matter. In

the pursuit of accuracy, a word of doubtful spelling is checked, one last fact

in the story is looked-up, or a source is called close to the deadline, when

parts of the story are in question.

A reputation for accuracy, is the publications most valuable resource.

Not only does it inspire the confidence of readers, but also an obvious

willingness on the part of the editors to strive for accuracy, opens up new

sources of information for the newspaper and often gets the paper out of

embarrassing and dangerous legal entanglements (Stovall, 2005).

Temptations Against Truth

In the line of duty of a journalist, temptation to abandon the

commitment to truth is very strong. American Senator Hiram Johnson

mentioned that the first casualty of war is truth. But it also occurs in the time

of peace. The presence of a stranger, who is differs in our language, color,

religion or even clothes becomes the other. In this case, Herodotus

explained that every one with exception believes that their own native

customs are by far the best. Therefore, truth in journalism should mean

more than just accuracy and telling the truth to get the story. It also means

not misrepresenting the people or the situation in the story to readers or

viewers. Another aspect of truthfulness is the responsibility of government

officials not to use the media for their own vested interest (Biagi, 2001).

Unfortunately, despite the glamour of the profession, journalists

encounter numerous hindrances that impede them to perform their duties

and responsibilities.

The Highs and Lows of Journalism

Any light projects a shadow -- Gaston Bachelard


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Despite the fact that many local journalists barely reach the minimum

salary wage, journalism still remains as a job that carries enormous personal

rewards. It is regarded as difficult, challenging, and fun job. The glamorous

side of journalism gives them the aura of responsibility, of public acceptance,

and of dignity.

Behind the faade of seemingly invisible powers of journalism lies an

industry dominated by a culture of impunity enjoyed by journalist killers and

attackers. Many Filipino journalists look at death, injury or threats as part of

their job and an inherent factor of working in a democratic country. The

Committee to Protect Journalists website stated that while the government

had made efforts to solve the killings of journalist, none of the powerful

figures behind some of these murders have been convicted. The lack of

prosecutional vigor on the part of the government suggests that those who

could attack or kill a journalist in the Philippines can still do so with impunity.

Despite the danger and threats that exists in the profession, however, the

Philippines still remains as one of the Asias freest press.

Dangers of Journalism

The disproportionately high toll of media deaths has made the

Philippines the second most dangerous country in the World for media

workers, after war- torn Iraq. (IFJ, 2006)

Freedom of the press is defined by Mr. Webster as the right to freely

publish without censorship or other government interference, usually

restricted by in practice by laws barring obscenity, sedition and libel.

Apparently, there are other factors that contribute to the suppression of the

media such as violence. Violence takes in many different forms; physical

harm, public harangues, threats (veiled or overt), surveillance of movements

and communication, new blackouts, denial of access to information, prior

restraints on coverage, and criminal libel charges and censorship (Espina-


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Varona, 2004). When media is oppressed, the society itself experiences the

same kind of oppression.

Journalists in the Philippines have paid a high price for their

outspokenness. Good journalists in the country run the risk of either being

maimed for life or killed for reporting without fear or favor. (Espina-Varona,

2004)

In fact, Mendoza (2004) asserted that an average of 3 Filipino journalists

are killed each year. But recently, the number of murdered journalist had

increased dramatically.

Most of the journalists killed had exposed corrupt local politicians,

criminal gangs and illegal gambling.

Attacks on the Press

The Philippines has been declared the most dangerous place to work

for journalist after Iraq (Herrera, 2005). Apparently, the Philippines have

earned this dubious honor based on the increasing number of journalist

killed since 1986.

Herrera further stated that the Philippine media is regarded as

dangerous and submissive by the protectors of the feudal status quo, and

that is basically the reason why each year, there is an assured quota of

martyrs- journalist killed because they dare to exercise the freedom of

speech and of the press guaranteed by the conditions. Journalists are being

killed in the country precisely because they are exposing acts of corruption

being penetrated by their feudal lords.

Along with the call of, duty and responsibility to inform o the public may

know, Philippine media has always been exposed to dangers and threats

every time they write and speak of the truth, especially along issues of public

governance. Killers and attackers send a harsh and cold message to

Philippine journalist such as dont bother to speak of the truth, to expose

corruption and all the violence committed in Philippine society-for if you do,

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you put your life, possibly the life of your family, on the line, and nobody can

protect you, not even your own government, can protect you. But despite of

this chilling and saddening reality, journalists simply shrugged it off and as a

response they always say Its part of my job.

Journalistic Killings

The deaths of the journalist were the result of a mixture of government

in action and tolerance towards a rising culture of violenceNoonan (Olarte,

2006).

Since 1986, 55 journalists have already been killed. Unfortunately, none

of these cases has been solved. The motives remain unclear, and the killers

barely identified.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) in response to journalist killings

have announced that laws would be relaxed to allow journalists to carry fire

arms in order to defend themselves. However, the International Federation of

Journalists (IFJ) and National Union of Journalist in the Philippines (NUJP)

condemned this as irresponsible and counter-productive. They insisted that

journalists are independent observers and should not be encouraged to be

active combats.

NUJP also said that the only way to end these killings is for the

authorities to relentlessly pursue arrest, prosecute and convict he killers and

their masterminds. They contended that to legally arm the journalist for self

defense is not the solution to continuous murders of media practitioners. All

these deaths are shocking reminders of the price that journalist have to pay

everyday for press freedom and democracy. The activity of the criminal

justice system must be improved. And if improvement were already made,

(as they claim), they are obviously still far from being successful. (NUJP,

2006).

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The Darker Era

The Year 1985 marked an exclamation point, not just in the Philippine

History, but as well as in the Philippines Press History. It was more than a

decade ago when democracy was taken back from the hands of the dictator.

For the Philippine media, triumph was much sweeter (Elumbre, 2006).

Elumbre (2006) further asserts that Juan Mercado, one of the twenty-two

journalists detained during the martial law years recalled that fourteen years

of living under the Marcos dictatorship was nightmare. And according to

Maria Ceres P. Doyo, a freelance investigative and feature writer during the

Marcos Era regarded reporting as a more dangerous to life and limb. Leticia

Jimenez Magsanoc, even recounted calling media then, as suicide

journalism. The Marcos years were indeed the most dangerous years for

journalism.

Then came the year 1986, and the media industry took a 180-degree

turn. Suddenly, everybody was free to write once again.

The veteran journalist believed that the experience under the martial

law had greatly influenced they worked today. Tordesillas, exclaimed that

its a good experience going through a crisis. It somehow enriches ones

experience and perspective. In order to gain freedom, you must take the

risk to see change. If you have to believe in the power of the pen, bust most

of all, you have to believe in the power of the truth, Doyo recounts.

Enough is Enough

When violence poses a permanent threat for journalists, it poses a

threat to the whole society. --Director General Koichico Matsuura (2006)

According to an NUJP press release on May 22, 2006, two journalists in

the country were killed in their line of duty, one is Palawan broadcaster

Fernando Dong Batul, and the other is Albert Orsolino of Laguna. Orsolino

is the 42nd journalist killed under the Arroyo administration.

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Some of journalists held President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her

administration accountable for the murders of their colleagues under her

watch and the increasingly brazen manner in which they have been killed.

In its obsession with national security, and its own survival, this

administration has failed to protect their lives and respect the rights of the

Filipino people, journalists included and consequently failed to defend

democracy NUJP added.

Members of the NUJP has showed their rejection and condemnation on

their colleagues death. Enough is enough, says NUJP. They claim that

they have condemned enough. They have issued statements enough. They

have marched in the streets and called the governments attention enough.

And now, they call for their colleagues to fight back. NUJP explained that

united, journalists can fight back the threats to their lives and liberties with

the weapon they know best how to use their profession, their pens, their

cameras, their microphones.

We call on the people, the public, the audience we serve to stand with

us. For the freedom of the press, we struggle to uphold is not ours alone, but

the logical extension of the peoples right to free expression and to know

from all other rights emanate, NUJP stated.

The Ultimate Mission of a Journalist

On August 14, 2006, two journalists were abducted in the Gaza strip by

a previously unknown group known as the Holy Jihad Brigades.

After almost two weeks of negotiations, Fox News correspondent Steve

Centanni and cameraman Olaf Wiig were released in good health by their

abductors on the 27th of August.

The Committee to Protect Journalists reported that at a news conference

following their release, both men said they hoped the kidnapping would not

deter journalists from continuing to report in Gaza. My biggest concern

really is that, as a result of what happened to us, foreign journalists will be

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The perils that journalists encountered during the 1980s were almost

the same dangers that present journalist have to endure at the present.

However, there is a slight difference in the way attackers harass the

journalist. Attackers at present are more vicious and fearless in assaulting

journalists. This is due to the apparent lack of the governments interest in

finding and prosecuting their killers.

This study is unique because it presents journalism not only as a career

but also as a vocation. Hence, frolicking has no place in this profession.

Journalists must gravely hold on to certain moral values and personal

principles and convictions in order to preserve their credibility in delivering to

the people the truth.

These accumulated principles, convictions, and beliefs will certainly

affect their duty performance thus keeping the integrity of their profession

intact.

However, considering the dangerous nature of their chosen careers,

journalists cannot help but encounter hazardous situations. Journalistic perils

such as death threats and journalistic killings hinder them to perform their

responsibilities professionally.

In explaining the impact of these journalistic perils on the beliefs and

convictions of journalists as well as its effect on their duty performance, the

researchers will test the applicability of the medical analogy employed by the

Inoculation Theory which is primarily the thrust of this study.

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Theoretical/Conceptual Framework

In performing their role as the watchdog of the public, journalists often

face the dilemma of having to expose the truth as regards government

corruption, crime, and the like. In doing so, colliding with corrupt but

influential and powerful people with infinite resources is imminent. Thus,

occurrences like these endanger a media practitioners life. Influential and

powerful people affected by exposs made by journalists would employ any

means to silence them and prevent them from blowing their whistles. Hence,

journalists are attacked by their enemies in the profession in an attempt to

weaken their beliefs, affect their attitudes, and smash down their stands in

doing their duties and responsibilities.

However, the Inoculation Theory by McGuire and Papageorgis (Severin,

1997) stresses that instead of devastating his convictions, these attacks

actually make his beliefs and attitudes stronger.

According to Dr. Steven Booth-Butterfield, the main point of Inoculation

Theory is that attacks make beliefs stronger. He employed a medical analogy

to illustrate the theory further. When a person is vaccinated, the shot

actually gives him a weak dose of the virus. This in turn activates the bodys

immune system. The immune system fights off this weak attack and the

immune system actually becomes stronger. Thus, the next time the virus

attacks, the immune system can handle an even larger assault. The key

word in all this is, weak. If the shot contained too strong a dose, it would

overwhelm the immune system, make the person sick, and perhaps even kill

the person. The dose must have enough of the virus to activate the immune

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system, but must not be so strong that it overpowers (Booth-Butterfield,

1996).

Figure 1Theoretical Framework of the Impact of Journalistic Perils

on Media Practitioners

For inoculation to be effective, the three steps of inoculation must be

satisfied. First, there must be a warning of the attack. This will activate the

existing defenses of the receiver. As soon as the warning is made, receivers

are threatened. Now they know that an attack is forthcoming and that they

must prepare for it. Next, there must be a weak attack. Again, it is

important to note that the attack must be weak and ineffective. If a strong

1

Warn Receiver ofImpending Attack

Make a WeakAttack

Get Receiver to

Actively Defend

Strong Belief


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attack is produced, the attitude you wanted to strengthen will get weaker and

maybe even move in the opposite direction. In short, the attack must be

strong enough to force the receivers to defend. It must not be so strong as to

overcome the defense.

Once a weak attack is produced, this will make the receiver to actively

defend his belief. Many years of careful research have shown that the more

actively the receiver defends against the attack, the stronger the existing

attitude will become.

An active defense occurs when the receiver does more than merely

think, but rather performs actions.

When these steps are satisfied and the process of inoculation is

completed, the beliefs of the receiver of the attack would be reinforced and

strengthened. (Booth-Butterfield, 1996)

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Threats

Journalistic Perils

Sympathizing with

the Victims

Strong Attitude

Duty Performance

of Media

Practitioner


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Figure 2

Conceptual Framework of the Impact of Journalistic Perilson Media Practitioners

When a journalist performs his role as a watchdog of the public and

expose corruptions and malpractices of prominent figures in the society, they

will receive threats. This will condition their minds that potential attacks may

be approaching initiating them to prepare themselves mentally and

emotionally.

Sooner or later, attacks will come. A journalist will encounter dangerous

situations if he chooses to stay true to his professional code. He might

experience these circumstances himself or they might witness it happen to

their peers in the profession.

When this transpires, they will develop empathy for the victims which in

turn will foster in them a strong desire to get back with his attackers. Thus,

the journalist will be imbibed by a strong attitude and this will definitely have

a positive effect on his duty performance as a media practitioner.

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Death Threats

Journalist Killings

Condemning the

Killings

Strong Conviction

Duty Performance

of Media

Practitioner


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3. What are the journalists initial reactions upon knowing that a

colleague has been hurt or killed on duty?

4. What are the influences of journalistic perils on the duty performance

of the journalists?

Significance of the Study

This study predominantly seeks on the consciousness of people as

regards the journalistic perils that journalists have to face in their duties and

responsibilities. The dangers and conflicts that journalists have to endure in

their crusade for truth are not simply minimal but treacherous.

Therefore this study will be of help to the following:

Mass Communication Students

This study aims to help them be aware of the dangers that are attached

to their chosen profession. They should possess a strong conviction on their

craft. This study will also serve as an avenue to help them be aware of their

prime duty to serve the public through fair, accurate, unbiased and objective

reporting.

Media Practitioners

This study aims to help them continue to abide by the ethical standards

they had sworn to uphold while performing their duties and responsibilities.

This study may help them realize their importance in the safeguarding of

democracy, and encourage them to pursue their battle for truth at all odds.

Society

This study aims to help readers become aware of the perils that

journalists have to face in order to serve them. And that they will stand with

journalists in their fight against journalist killers and attackers alike.

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Future Researchers

This study aims to help them use this research study as a basis and

reference to future studies that may be of relative nature.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION

This study covers the impact of journalistic perils such as written and

verbal threats, intimidations, and threats to family members of media

practitioners. It focuses on the effects of these dangers to the performance

of media practitioners in upholding their duties and responsibilities as

professional journalists.

Due to time and financial constraints, the researchers decided to

concentrate on three (3) print media journalists that are currently exposed to

journalistic perils and with no less than seven (7) years of experience in the

profession.

The researchers also wanted the study to deal with events as recent as

possible. Hence, internet resources were maximized to provide the latest

information related to the study.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

For the purpose of transparency and to have a common basis for

comprehension, the following terms were defined according to the way they

were used in the study.

Media. This denotes the various means of mass communication including

television, radio, print, and the internet. This study will specifically deal with

the print media.

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Media Practitioners. These are the people involved in the production of

media. Specifically, media practitioners in the study refer to those who are

involved in journalism.

Journalism. This stands for the profession of gathering, editing, and

publishing news reports for the media.

Journalists. This represents media practitioners who are involved in the

profession of journalism. Their main obligation is seek the truth. This study

will specifically deal with Print Media Journalists.

Journalistic Perils. These are the dangerous circumstances that journalists

encounter in the performance of their duties and responsibilities in the

profession such as death threats and journalistic perils. This study will

specifically deal with Journalistic Killings.

Death Threat. This is a journalistic peril that warns a journalist of an

impending attack usually expressed either in oral or written form.

Duty Performance. This refers to the way journalists execute their

responsibilities in the profession.

Journalistic Killings. This is a journalistic peril wherein a journalists life is

terminated to hinder him in the performance of his duties and responsibilities

in the profession.

Weak attack. This is an inoculation term used to denote attacks inflicted on

journalists that strengthens their beliefs and convictions as journalists.

Active Defense. This is an inoculation term used to denote reactions of

journalists when threatened with weak attacks.

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Fear. This refers to the as unpleasant feeling of apprehension or distress

caused by the presence or anticipation of danger. Specifically, this study will

deal with it as a indication of a journalists weak conviction.

Resignation. This refers to an instance of leaving a job. Specifically, in this

study, this will deal with a journalist leaving his profession due to journalistic

perils. Specifically, this study will deal with it as a indication of a journalists

weak conviction.

Reservation. This refers to the act of withholding something or an instance

of so doing. Specifically, this study will deal with it as a indication of a

journalists weak conviction.

Indignation. This refers to anger based on a condemnation of something

considered wrong or unfair. Specifically, this study will deal with it as a

indication of a journalists strong conviction.

Perseverance. This refers to a determined continuation of an action or

belief, usually over a long period and especially despite difficulties or

setbacks. Specifically, This study will deal with it as a indication of a

journalists strong conviction.

Condemnation. This refers to the action of stating that something or

somebody is in some way wrong or unacceptable. Specifically, this study will

deal with it as a indication of a journalists strong conviction.

Retaliatory Acts. This refers to acts of inflicting deliberate harm on

somebody in response or revenge for a harm he or she has done.

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Specifically, this study will deal with it as a indication of a journalists strong

conviction.

Chapter 2

METHOD

In this chapter, the research design, participants, sampling design, data

gathering procedure as well as the data analysis used in this research study

are presented.

Research Design

This study dubbed Impact of Journalistic Perils on Media Practitioners

will make use of a research design that is qualitative in nature. It will employ

descriptive research wherein the case study method will be utilized. Garcia

(2003) asserted that descriptive research endeavors to describe

systematically, factually, accurately and objectively a situation, problem or

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phenomenon. It seeks to describe what is. In addition to this, Leedy and

Ormrod (2001) cited that in a case study, a particular individual, program or

event is being thoroughly investigated. Catane (2000) further stated that

case study is an in depth investigation of a single person, an event or an

institution. It does not only attempt at identifying the existing condition of the

what of the situation but also the why of it.

Participants

The respondents of this study are print media journalists with no less

than seven (7) years in the profession and are currently exposed to

journalistic perils. The researchers considered the chosen respondents

because of their knowledge about the subject matter of the research study

conducted.

Sampling Design

The sampling design that will be employed in this research study is

purposive sampling. Catane (2000) stated that under this method of drawing

the sample, the researcher selects the sampling based on his subjective

judgment. Those who meet the purpose or objective of the study are those

deliberately include in his sample.

Thus, the respondents of trhis study were chosen because of the nature

of their profession and their apparent exposure to journalistic perils.

Data Gathering Procedure

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As a group, the researchers conducted a forum to choose a timely

research problem related to communication, their field of expertise. Thus, the

researchers came up with the research topic Impact of Journalistic perils on

Media Practitioners. Upon approval, the researchers started their

information-gathering for materials and references essential to their study.

Consequently, the researchers conducted interviews with the target

respondents to obtain sufficient data crucial to the completion of their study.

Instrument

During interviews with the target respondents, the researchers used an

interview schedule. According to Catane (2000), an interview schedule is a

written I instrument that is use by the researcher to guide the asking of the

question. It also provides a means of recoding the responses made to

questions. It can be use to gather factual information or preferences as

opinions. Some question dealt with the respondents personal background in

terms of their experience in the journalism profession while others dwelt on

their perception on journalistic perils.

Data Analysis

The data gathered was analyzed through qualitative interpretation.

Items involving the determining of conviction was subjected to a rubric, a

matrix to evaluate degrees of responses.

Below is the rubric that will be used:

Table 1 Categories of responses based on the Inoculation Theory

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Impact of JournalisticPerils on MediaPractitioners

Weak Conviction Strong Conviction

Initial Reaction toThreats

The respondentsreaction exhibits

directly or indirectlyfear, resignation, and

reservations.

The respondents reactiondirectly or indirectly exhibits

indignation,perseverance,

condemnation, andretaliatory acts.

Initial Reaction to

Colleague Hurt or Killedon Duty


directly or indirectlyfear, resignation, andreservations.


indignation,

perseverance,condemnation, and

retaliatory acts.

Influence of JournalisticPerils on DutyPerformance


directly or indirectlyfear, resignation, and

reservations.


indignation,perseverance,

condemnation, andretaliatory acts.

Based on the general trend of responses, the study determined the

applicability of the Inoculation Theory.

Chapter 3

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter exhibits and discusses the data accumulated and presents

its respective interpretation and analysis as reflected by the issues raised in

chapter 1.

Profile of the Respondents

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Due to the qualitative nature of the study, the researchers decided to

concentrate on three (3) respondents who are respected journalists in their

own right with no less than seven (7) years in the profession. The said

journalists are currently exposed to journalistic perils making them ideal

respondents for this study. Moreover, to ensure that both genders will be

represented, the respondents are composed of two (2) males and (1) one

female.

Professional Backgrounds of the Respondents

Respondent #1 is a Bulacan-based journalist who has been in the

profession for 15 years. Realizing his weakness in numbers, he pursued his

passion for words and took up AB Mass Communication and graduated from

Far Eastern University in 1991. Right after graduation, he started working on

a weekly newspaper in Metro Manila which is based in Caloocan. In 1993, he

went abroad and worked as an assistant editor in a Filipino publication in

Chicago. It was in 1999 when he went back to the Philippines. A year after,

he started working at the Malolos Times, a local weekly in Bulacan until 2003.

While employed at the Malolos Times, he also worked as a part-timer at the

Manila Times. By the year 2004, he was acquired by Mabuhay publication in

Bulacan where he is currently situated. In 2006, he wrote for the Philippine

Star while at the same time working for its sister publicationsthe Pilipino

Star Ngayon and Pang-Masa.

The respondent viewed journalism as the expression of truth. Where

there is truth, there is strength, he said. And the challenge is to find the

best way to communicate the truththe message.

Unaware of the dangers and threats that were associated with the

profession when he entered journalism school, all he saw then was his ability

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to express himself freely. I can express myself better in words than in

numbers, were his words.

As a college, he had read about journalists who were assigned in

different places such as war correspondents in Afghanistan. He perceived

their (war correspondents) war coverage as an adventure. Therefore, the

sense of adventure that is attached to the profession also contributed to his

decision to engage in journalism.

As a journalist, the respondent satisfies his desire to express himself

freely. He deemed his role as a citizen of our country that contributes to the

betterment of the society. The truth must be told, he said.

Respondent #2 is a journalist based in Palawan. He has been

practicing the profession for seven years. The respondent was a Tourism

graduate who accidentally became inclined with journalism when he applied

as a Disc Jockey in a FM station. Since then, the passion ignited. He is

currently broadcasting for a provincial radio station in Palawan and writing for

a local paper.

The respondent defines Journalism as a passion, a job that one must

enjoy in order to survive. He decided to pursue Journalism because of the

sense of adventure and thrill that is attached to the profession. According to

him, as a journalist, he can go to many different places to cover news.

Respondent # 2 also asserted that he enjoys his profession as a

journalist and claim that it really pays to be a journalist. He can deliver the

news to the people and at the same time enjoy himself through different

places that he was assigned to with all expenses paid.

Respondent #3 is a Central Luzon correspondent for the Philippine

Daily Inquirer. She has been in the profession for 14 years already starting in

1993. The respondent was a Mass Communication graduate with a major in

journalism of Centro Escolar University.

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Respondent #3 views journalism as a vocation. Through her profession,

the respondent feels that she helps the country by contributing to community

building.

The respondent asserted that she decided to be a journalist because its

what she does best as she claimed. She enjoys her work. She is doing her

work not for her job but for her own desire without pressure. But most

importantly her burning passion to write drives her more.

The respondent feels the sense of fulfillment as a journalist of being able

to contribute to the welfare not just of her community but of her country as

well. She can also feel that she can assert herself whenever she proves her

participation. As a reporter, her lifestyle became active. Her profession

makes her on-the-go for the news, unlike other jobs that confound people just

to the four corners of the office.

Journalistic Perils on the Respondents

Respondent #1 has already experienced different kinds of threats and

dangers such as libel cases and death threats which are usually expressed

verbally or through text messages. At times, Threats can also be very

unusual, he claimed. Such as being threatened by a person he only met for

the first time. In his 15 years of service, the most unforgettable threat he had

experience was politically-related. The said text message stated: Mag-iingat

ka. Huwag niyong binabangga yung pamilyang ito, kung hindi or Be

careful. Dont mess with this family or else The respondent further

explained that threats can also be on the profession. They (media attackers)

can file libel cases against a journalist to ruin his credibility. The respondent

also experienced being physically harmed while covering a story. The

experiences advised him to be more careful and to lay low.

Respondent #2 asserts that the profession is not always a bed of

roses. In his seven years in the profession, he had already experience the

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dangers attached to journalism. The most common are probably libel cases.

He was just two years in the profession when he was billed seven libel cases.

Fortunately, they all have been dismissed. He was not also spared with death

threats. Some were through texts and others were personally delivered by

the attackers. He was followed by his attackers to his favorite hang-outs and

was verbally harassed. However, the respondent insisted that the threats did

not discourage him in anyway.

Respondent #3 also experienced threats and dangers in the

profession. She experienced verbal harassment through text messages and

phone calls as well as being wrongfully accused of libel. However, while

these incidents advised her to be more careful, they did not actually lessen or

stop her from pursuing her desire to write.

Since the thrust of this study is to find out the applicability of the

Inoculation Theory in explaining the impact of journalistic perils on the duty

performance of media practitioners, the researchers will now apply the

rubrics shown in chapter 2 to determine the general trend of the

respondents responses. According to the medical analogy, inoculation would

be effective if there will be a warning of the attack first. Once the receiver of

the attack is prepared, weak attacks produce a strong conviction while strong

attacks overwhelm the recipient resulting to a weak conviction.

Initial Reaction to Threats

Respondent #1 stated that since most of the threats are through text

messages, his initial reaction was to look for confirmation and find the

senders identity. He also consulted his colleagues. His initial emotion was

bewilderment. He then kept asking himself of the things he had done and

checked any of his write-ups that could have triggered the threat. He was

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left puzzled by his attackers identity. There was even a time when he had to

choose the routes that he has to take. Or while walking alone, he has to look

at his back to check if someone is following him. He became really suspicious,

especially to strangers who are staring at him. Or while he was driving and a

motorbike was following him, he has to change his route. He became really

careful. As a result, he laid low.

Respondent #2 explained that the threats initially advised him to be

more cautious in his actions. It compelled him to verify his facts more.

Moreover, it made him more careful. There was even a time when he cannot

leave his home without a companion. He was also puzzled by the identity of

his attackers. Everyday, he would try to reminisce his entire expose` and

determine his attackers identity. Because of certain pressures from family

and friends, he was left with no choice but to lay low a little. However, they

proved to be futile in the end. After a short time, he continued his writing.

Respondent #3 while accompanied by fear, she initially felt anger

when she received the threats. In fact, she immediately wanted to get to this

people (attackers) and confront them. Threats actually bring out courage,

she said. But at times when anger seemed to overwhelm her senses, the

respondent ensures that democracy rules. Succumbing to anger, according

to her, is like saying Im exposing myself to bullets... Im looking for my

death.

Table 2 Summary of the respondents initial reaction to threats

Impact of Journalistic Perils onMedia Practitioners


Initial Reaction to Threats 1 2

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As shown by Table 1, one (1) of the respondents exhibited a weak

conviction while the other two (2) displayed strong convictions.

Respondent #1 exhibited paranoia in response to the threats he

received. This reaction indirectly showed fear, hinting that he was

overwhelmed with the threats.

On the other hand, while respondent #2 showed similar reactions at

first, his perseverance took over. As a result, he eventually went back to

writing suggesting that his conviction was fortified despite the threats.

Respondent #3 also felt fear, but it was anger that dominated her

senses. This implies that the respondent was challenged the more because

she perceived the threats as weak.

Initial Reaction to a Colleague Hurt or Killed in the Line of Duty

Respondent #1 has not yet experienced a situation wherein a

colleague was hurt or killed because of the profession. However, the

respondent admitted that the news of journalist killings gave him an initial

feeling of fear because of the possibility of him becoming a victim too.

Respondent #2 was shocked when a fellow Palawan journalist was

murdered. Since Palawan was before considered a peaceful community, the

respondent and his colleagues didnt see the possibility of a journalist killing

coming. While the incident really scared them, it paved the way for the

journalists to unite in the shout for justice.

Respondent # 3 has also not yet experienced an instance when a

colleague was killed while on duty. But she mentioned a situation wherein a

friend was hurt and threatened. Her initial reaction was to protect him. She

told him to lay low a little and adviced him to protect himself also. In the

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case of journalist killings, the respondent stated that she has co-authored

numerous letters of condemnation issued against their attackers.

Table 3 Summary of the respondents initial reaction to a colleague hurt or killed on duty

Impact of Journalistic Perils on

Media Practitioners


Initial Reaction to ColleagueHurt

or Killed in the Line of Duty1 2

Table 2 shows again that one (1) of the respondents exhibited a weak


Respondent #1 directly exhibited fear when confronted with journalist

killings. This suggests that he was overwhelmed by the situation, diminishing

his conviction.

Respondent #2 showed fear also. However, the killing of a colleague

caused him and other journalists to unite in a call for justice. This suggests

that a mixed feeling of indignation and condemnation filled the respondent

for what happened to his fallen comrade, fostering his conviction.

Respondent #3 sympathized with the victims of journalistic perils. The

fact that the respondent retaliated by co-authoring letters of condemnation

for journalist killers shows that she feels a sense of indignation for what have

transpired, solidifying her conviction.

Influence of Journalistic Perils on Duty Performance

Respondent #1 explained that journalistic perils hamper the truth.

Somehow, these perils affect the respondents duty performance. According

to him, these perils somehow taught him to be more careful and focused by

reviewing, confirming all the facts, and doing away with hearsays at all times.

If an issue threatens to put your life in balance, be more careful, he

suggested. When asked if he was still willing to pursue his profession amidst

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the threats and dangers that are attached in journalism, he answered with a

striking statement, There is no story worth dying for. He explained that

when threats and dangers come your way, and that your life is at stake, it

would be better to draw back a little and let the situation subside. Moreover,

if the lives of the respondents family and loved ones are at stake, he would

choose to lay low.

Respondent #2 stated honestly that journalistic perils did not actually

affect (negatively) his performance. Though, initially, the dangers pushed him

to be more careful. In general, however, the perils strengthened his faith in

the profession. He considered harassment and libel cases as something

common. And the death of his colleague united all the journalists in Palawan.

Amidst pressures from family and friends to resign, he opted to continue in

the profession because according to him, The passion is there.

Respondent #3 asserted that the different journalistic perils actually

challenged her. In fact, they brought out the fighter within her. The

respondent stated that these threats and dangers actually makes one more

courageous. According to her, these dangers did not deter her conviction in

anyway. Despite the risks, the respondent insisted that she will still pursue

her profession because this is where she finds fulfillment. If youre happy

with your work, you dont have to work when dealing with your work, she

stated.

Table 4 Summary of the influence of journalistic perils on respondents duty performance

Impact of Journalistic Perils on

Media Practitioners


Influence of Journalistic Perilson Duty Performance

1 2

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Table 3 shows anew that one (1) of the respondents exhibited a weak


Respondent #1 exhibited a reservation when he uttered, There is no

story worth dying for. Based on his response, given a situation wherein he

has to choose between his own welfare and his duty as a journalist with

journalistic perils as intervening factor, the respondent will certainly favor the

former.

Respondent #2 showed that perseverance is a virtue. Despite the risks,

he ignored calls from loved ones to resign because of the fulfillment he gets

from the profession. In fact, he remarked that his passion lies in journalism.

Hence, no matter what journalistic peril will come his way, journalism will

always be part of his life.

Respondent #3 proved that courage is required amidst the threats and

dangers associated with her profession. This she showed by the indignation

and condemnation for journalist attackers she implied in her responses. She

asserts that these perils did more good than harm. Instead of discouraging

her, the dangers challenged her to love her chosen profession more. The

sense of fulfillment and enjoyment that journalism gives her is the reason

why she will always persevere.

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Chapter 4

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the data gathered and analyzed, the summary, findings,

conclusions, and recommendations of the study are presented in this final

chapter.

Summary of Findings

In the realm of journalism, a battle is unfolding. Attackers of the

profession are now using threats and dangers as journalistic perils to

discourage journalists to pursue their sworn duty of upholding the truth.

Hence, this study intended to determine the impact of journalistic perils on

the duty performance of media practitioners. It aimed to find out which

indeed between the pen of the journalists and the sword of their attackers is

mightier. Moreover, it focused on gauging whether journalistic perils

strengthen or weaken a journalists conviction resulting to a relative effect on

his duty performance. In doing so, the researchers decided to test the

applicability of the medical analogy of the inoculation theory in explaining the

phenomenon.

To accomplish this thrust, an interview schedule was employed by the

researchers as an instrument to acquire responses necessary for the

completion of the study. Through purposive sampling, three (3) journalists

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with exposure to journalistic perils and ample experience in the profession

were chosen to be respondents of the study.

Furthermore, the researchers employed descriptive research and the

case study method for purposes of analysis. A rubric was designed by the

researchers to qualitatively measure the data gathered from the

respondents. The summary of the accumulated data was then presented by

means of tables and descriptive paragraphs.

1. Profile of Respondents

The three (3) respondents of this study are journalists with extensive

working experience in respected newspaper publications around the country.

Since majority of journalists hurt and killed are from the provinces, the

researchers made sure that the respondents have local or provincial

journalism affiliations. The genders are roughly represented as the

respondents are composed of two (2) males and one (1) female. Moreover,

the respondents have no less than seven (7) years of experience in the

profession.

2. Initial Reaction on Threats

All of the respondents initially manifested fear and a decision to be more

cautious. However, they differ from each other in terms of the after effects of

the incident. Respondent #1 preferred to lay low to the point of abandoning

the story if the threats escalate. Respondent #2 also laid low because of

pressures from family and friends, but eventually continued his duty to

uphold the truth. Respondent #3 was overwhelmed by anger and insisted

that the threat challenged her more and brought out the fighter within her.

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Hence, respondent #1 was overwhelmed by the threat resulting to a weak

conviction. On the other hand, respondent #2 and respondent #3 perceived

the attacks as weak. Thus, resulting to their strong conviction.

3. Initial Reaction to Colleague Hurt or Killed while on Duty

Again, the respondents normal reaction was to manifest fear. However,

they perceived the situation differently. Respondent #1 realized the

possibility of him becoming a victim of journalistic killings. Respondent #2,

when a colleague was murdered, joined with other journalists in unity for a

call for justice. Respondent #3 chose to protect a colleague that was

threatened by advising him to protect himself also. She further asserted a

condemnation for journalist killings. Thus, respondent #1 manifested a weak

conviction, while respondent #2 and #3 exhibited strong convictions.

4. Influence of Journalistic Perils on Duty Performance

While respondent #1 was aware that journalistic perils hamper the

truth, he insisted that no story is worth dying for. Based on his responses, his

personal safety is of utmost concern. Respondent #2 asserted that

journalistic perils did not have a negative effect in his duty performance. In

fact, it strengthened his faith in his profession because of the passion he feels

for the job. Respondent #3 explained that journalistic perils challenged her

to be more courageous. She emphasized that the perils did not deter her

conviction. Instead, the respondent condemned the dangers and banked on

the fulfillment she receives from the profession. As a result, respondent #1s

reservation showed weak conviction, while respondent #2s perseverance

and respondent #3s condemnation of the attacks.

Conclusions

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Based on the findings of the study, it can therefore be concluded that

the inoculation theory is applicable in determining the impact of journalistic

perils on the duty performance of media practitioners.

According to the medical analogy, strong attacks overwhelm the

receiver producing a weak conviction while weak attacks foster beliefs

resulting to a strong conviction.

Moreover, the respondents experiences equates to inoculations

analogy. Respondent #1 manifested a weak conviction because he

perceived the threats and dangers as strong and overwhelming. Respondent

#2 and #3 displayed strong convictions because they viewed the journalistic

perils as challenges that fostered their beliefs.

Recommendations

After careful deliberation of the findings and conclusions of this study,

the following recommendations are presented:

Mass Communication programs should incorporate courses on value

formation to strengthen aspiring journalists commitment to the profession.

Aspiring journalists should be aware of the threats and dangers

involved in the journalism profession. Thus, education of these perils should

be integrated in their curriculum.

Journalists should be part of journalist organizations for purposes of

unity and security.

For future researchers, this research can be a basis for similar and

related studies provided that they conduct a more comprehensive data

gathering to further represent journalists around the country.

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