Some years ago, some people (others quite gleefully) announced that newspapers were dead. Then came the slew of online platforms that gave birth to what they called “new media.”
Underneath all these, came the thought that, of course, newspapers are dead.
Years later, and a pandemic, to boot — newspapers are still running, still the most credible source of news and information.
The digital natives may never understand the reason some people still turn to the good ol’ “rag,” as it is sometimes called, whether in jest or derogatorily, but it is simply because newspapers are based on something quite basic: Journalism.
Journalism — defined by the American Press Institute as “the activity of gathering, assessing, creating and presenting news and information. It is also the product of these activities” — is a craft. It takes training and experience to do good journalism. It takes experience to be a credible journalist.
That is why, back then, when paper journos gathered to complain about the preponderance of bloggers in their midst, some would hit it on the mark: Why compare at all when there is really not much comparison?
Simply put, broadsheets are not blogs — and never the twain shall meet. They can, however, co-exist.
This is precisely the idea behind this paper’s transition from pure print media to an omnimedia organization.
Embracing technology — welcoming change and not resisting the results of these changes — led Daily Tribune to traverse a path it did not know before.
Over two decades ago, the newspaper was born. It then developed its own website. Then five years ago, under new management, it went into other digital platforms.
Through all these, one thing that the paper retained was its commitment to the Filipino people — the core of its calling.
Today, Daily Tribune has been recognized anew for its bold and fearless stance. At the 15 June awarding of the Pro Patria Journalism Awards by the Rotary Club of Manila — the first Rotary Club in Asia and the most distinguished for its “star-studded roster of members,” veritable icons in their fields — it received a trophy and plaque as Newspaper of the Year.
Pro Patria means “for one’s country”.
Daily Tribune President Willie Fernandez spoke about the faith it takes to take on the newspaper business with a commitment to good journalism, indeed, “for one’s country.”
He said, “Many times, I have encountered people who wondered how long we would last — and I mean not just those doubting our reasons for staying, but also those who could not see our reason for being.”
Like everyone who had stayed true to the call, he added, “I take pride in having stayed true to the Daily Tribune’s DNA of independence. Through four administrations, we boldly reported on issues that many times put our lifeblood at risk.
“Thank you for recognizing the effort and determination it took to provide our readers with, as you so describe — ‘the fearless and consistent exposé of anomalies and irregularities both in the public and the private domain, investigating and reporting fairly and truthfully to enable citizens to be vigilant and participatory in forming collective censure and judgment.’”
It is not easy, but it can be done.