Regulate, not ban Cebuano tabloids, profs say

REFORMS and not an outright ban should be made  on tabloids that publish lewd photos and stories , two mass communication professors in Cebu said recently.

Belinda Espiritu, coordinator of the Mass Comm program of the University of the Philippines Cebu College, said phasing out or banning tabloids that run  sensational stories or images isn’t the solution.

“We need to rethink how we present our news stories. Otherwise the content would also violate media ethics,” she said.

Espiritu said the  media should promote social change and transformation as part of their  role as watchdogs of society.

She said  tabloids  publish sensational news, crime and gossip  due to a  clamor of the  masses.

“They think that’s what the masses need.  They are insulting the people,” she said. “Consumers also need to be aware of issues.”

She said the media shouldn’t be afraid to reformat content and not have a low opinion of their readers.  She also commended local English dailies for being “socially responsible” in handling stories.

Mia Embalzado-Mateo, program head for communication in St Theresa’s College said local tabloids in Metro Cebu help update the masses, who find them affordable and easy to read.

She said a proposed ordinance by Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale to ban Cebuano tabloids publishing lewd stories and photos violates press freedom and freedom of expression.

“Tabloids are not just about lewd acts, they also have current events,” she  said.

Mateo said she regularly reads SuperBalita and Bnat news and uses them in her classes.

She said  tabloid just need to review their content and minimize obscene parts.  “The newsrooms also have their own media ethics.  They (the Capitol) can’t set a standard over that.” Reporter Candeze R. Mongaya