We Regulate Media

I had the privilege to attend the Pinoy Media Congress in Miriam College last November 27-28 where ABS CBN is the main sponsor of the event. It was well participated by various schools around the country, especially those who are inclined in the field of mass communication.

The speakers shared with us their knowledge, experience and gave us a glimpse on how they handle their company. From the immense impact of media to influence the mass boiling down to the mass being the regulator of the media. We are all aware of the impact of media and in the forum a bounty of questions where raise about ABS CBN being concern of quality programs. Some from the audience cite examples of programs being shown in the stations which they think lacked in quality program or shows immorality and the speakers explains that those programs do have quality its just they are being presented in different format to suits viewer’s taste.

Another asked that perhaps the company is more concern on ratings that’s why they continue to present those programs, in which I got confused with the ideality of the audience because it seems that they underestimate the importance of ratings. I do agree with the speakers that ratings is as important as quality programs, they should be working hand in hand because first, as a media station you should be earning profit and you can achieve that through ratings, second though you present a very quality program if no one is watching it, it would not make any sense. As Ms Luchi Cruz Valdes said its like preaching in an empty church, as much as they wanted to present probe stuff they simply can’t because rating matters.

Sometimes I feel that we as audience are very reluctant, all we want is to blame others. Yes, we do oppose with what they present, we say that it shows immorality or it violates some of our norms but hey why are we still watching them. Perhaps its time for us to evolve and be an active participant of the media, if we don’t like something and it seems that it needs to be change send a message to the station and address your views. Ms. Charo Santos even stated that they value feedbacks and listens to the demands of the viewers. Or if you are very indolent to do that as Ms Karen Davila said you have a choice switch off the television set. I’m sure if most of us will do that, it would make an effect on the ratings and slowly it would change its format or lose its air time.

We must be mindful that we as audience play a vital role in the media and we can regulate it.