Despite the decline of print media due to the rise of online news media platforms, Ace Perez, Social Media Editor of Sunstar Davao, said on a SINIKOM webinar Monday that “print is not dead.” Instead, “we just expanded the platform.”
The launching of Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) Sinikom week saw three seasoned journalists and public speakers sharing their expertise and professional advice to students of AB Communication. Said speakers include Perez, Communication Practitioner Valmeil Vestil, and ABS CBN Davao’s Chrislen Bulosan.
According to Perez, the shift to online platforms has drastically changed reading behavior. But although visuals matter, people’s preference for quality content remains the same.
Journalism beyond the surface
Speaking from her experience as a field reporter, Bulosan emphasized that journalism is more than just about gathering details. Knowledge gained about journalism in the academe is also put to test once in the field.
“Not just skills are challenged, but also ethics and beliefs,” Bulosan said.
The ABS-CBN Journalist emphasized that laying out facts to the public is a journalist’s most important duty. Since truth is the journalist’s obligation, he or she also owes it to the public to serve the silenced and oppressed.
The many versions of the truth must, according to Bulosan, compel the journalist to know and cover all sides of the story. No matter how the story will be reversed, it will always boil down to one fact, she added.
Keys to Great Conversations
Vestil, a communication practitioner, shared how powerful conversations can allow speakers to connect to the audience.
He elaborated the three keys to achieving an ideal way of communicating namely, Manner (how you say it), Matter (how you say it), and Method (how you build on what you say)
He ended his speech by reminding people how contagious passion is, and that a good speaker always comes in prepared.
The said webinar participated by approximately 30 students was held as part of the Communication Majors’ Sinikom Week.