Home⇛NRCP Research Journal⇛vol. 23 no. 2 (2024)

Press Unreleased: The Lived Experiences of Filipino Journalists Amidst the Pandemic

Raphaelle Jazmine D. Rodriguez | Mayumi Limboc | James Christian P. Mendoza | Carel Jermione P. Ortega | Janeson M Miranda | Christian P Gopez

Discipline: Journalism

 

Abstract:

In this study, we described the lived experiences of eight Filipino journalists by centering on the changes and challenges they encountered in their profession during the COVID-19 pandemic and their prospective outlook on journalism practice in the future. We observed the following criteria in the selection of the journalists who participated in the study: a) the journalist has experienced pre-pandemic fieldwork; b) is active in the profession during the pandemic; and c) continues to be active in the journalism industry in the present. From the thematic analysis, we noted that the eight journalist informants navigated the shifts and struggles brought about by the pandemic with (1) restricted reportage, (2) health and economic challenges, (3) rampant disinformation and public distrust of the media, (4) continuous attacks, and (5) persistent sustenance of journalism as a practice. Despite all the dangers that come with their profession, journalists remain optimistic and unrelenting in pursuing their careers due to the fulfillment of the job and remain hopeful for the years to come. In light of the findings, we recommend further studies that will uncover the factors influencing the perils and threats to journalists and the varied experiences of these journalists from different media types.



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