Monday, January 22, 2007

Online Newspaper - latest technology in mass media

I do not read newspapers, and being a Communication Student, I think I should be embarrassed of what I have just said. Well, I do read once-in-a-while. However, I think it is as good as saying I have read a newspaper once in my life.

We used to have piles of newspaper in our storage room back in our old home. My dad always starts the day with a paper, as a part of his breakfast but I was never really hooked into reading them. I just like the thrill of earning extra bucks by selling them at the nearest junkshop.

When I am too early for class or I have nothing to do and there is no vacant computer in the internet room, I go through the broadsheets. I prefer reading them because they are accessible compared to books. You can just pick them up from the stand or the front desk rather than search for a single appealing book from thousands placed on the shelf.

More often, I get to read newspapers for projects, in other words, when I have no option but to do so. Not wanting to spend is not an excuse for us students. The library has a daily supply of the three leading national broadsheets.

However, I came up with the closest reasons I can think of:

1. I think newspapers are messy and inconvenient to read. (I know this is a petty one but it’s true). Every time I read, I get black stains on my fingertips and it becomes a problem when it stains my white uniform. I also have to stretch my arms to hold it because of its size. Lastly, the pages sometimes get mixed up.
2. I also get the top news from television.
3. We have the Internet, to be more specific, the online newspaper.

But what is the online newspaper? I am pretty that the majority is not aware of this advancement. But I don’t think it needs a definition for the term is self explanatory.

Many, especially those involved in the industry of printed newspaper have been against the said technological breakthrough. Obviously, it will cause the declining profit margins and declining circulation in daily newspapers.

We have online games, online encyclopedia and even online shopping. I don’t think having an online newspaper should be seen in the negative perspective. I do think that its advantages outweigh its disadvantages.

The most visible advantage of the web newspaper its ability to rapidly update itself. Unlike the printed newspaper, readers can get hold of the latest news anytime, anywhere there is a computer and internet connection. There is no need to wait for the following day for the printed newspaper to be circulated all over the country. This way, the press can sooner and better perform its duty as the fourth estate.

What you have read yesterday or the other month will still be available without having to go through dusty and almost rotten newspapers that you have kept.

Lastly, it is convenient in many ways. You can just search for a topic and all related articles will appear. It will even link you to further readings.

Examples of foreign online newspaper include:
http://www.nytimes.com/ - The New York Times, http://www.washingtonpost.com/ - The Washington Post, and http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/ - China Daily and www.inquirer.net – The Philippine Daily Inquirer, www.philstar.com – The Philippine Star, and www.mb.com.ph – The Manila Bulletin for local.

Monday, January 15, 2007

MIKE ARROYO and HIS CONTROVERSIES, GUILTY OR NOT?


This blog entry may be different from my two previous posts. We were asked to make a stand on the controversies that the first gentleman Mike Arroyo has been and is still facing, allegations on jueteng, corruption and taking advantage of his wife, GMA’s position in particular. To answer if he is guilty or not, is a tough one, especially if the person involved have sued an incredible number of journalists for libel.

theseoultimes.com/.../689-20040630180251.jpg

Let me start with this:

IF THERE IS NO FIRE, THERE IS NO SMOKE
, a Filipino proverb often associated to controversies being denied especially in showbiz and politics.

I may not be updated on politics but I do believe in this saying. There would be no controversies if there really is nothing to discuss about. Sometimes, people tend to exaggerate what they know but very few can generate stories out of thin air. There is a root for all these.

Many have been written and reported but of course not one is proven. Mike Arroyo is a lawyer. He sure knows his way out.

Expected to be a moral citizen, he will not pledge of being guilty, but claiming that he is innocent would not help. My suggestion is to defend rather than deny.

He claims to be a private citizen. And he knows his rights as one. But by simply holding the title as the First Gentleman makes him a public figure. He owes the Filipino people an explanation.