With AI-generated content, algorithm-driven news cycles, and the rapid spread of disinformation, the role of the press is more crucial—and more complicated—than ever. These challenges were the focus of the panel discussion “Journalism in the Age of Big Tech,” moderated by GMA News journalist Atom Araullo at the Rolling Stone Philippines Live event in Bonifacio Global City.
Why it Matters: The digital era has transformed how news is created, distributed, and consumed. While technology has allowed faster access to information, it has also disrupted traditional journalism, raising concerns about credibility, financial sustainability, and public trust.
The panel featured seasoned journalists who have spent decades in Philippine media: Sonny Coloma, Executive Vice President and Publisher of Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation; Ivan Mayrina, broadcast journalist from GMA News; and Ricky Carandang, Vice President for Corporate Communications at First Gen Corporation. Each shared their experiences on how journalism has evolved and what it must do to survive in the digital age.
The Disruption of Traditional Journalism
Carandang was direct in assessing the state of journalism today, stating, “Social media has broken legacy journalism.” He explained that in the past, mainstream media served as gatekeepers of information, determining what was credible and what wasn’t. Now, with smartphones and social platforms, “anybody can broadcast what they want, and if they go viral, they don’t even have to be telling the truth.”
This shift has led to news organizations struggling to maintain their influence. With declining trust in traditional media, Carandang acknowledged that journalists must find new ways to adapt while staying true to their role as watchdogs of society.
The Challenge of Sustainability
With print readership in decline and digital advertising revenue dominated by tech giants like Google and Meta, financial sustainability remains a pressing issue for news organizations. Coloma shared how Manila Bulletin had to restructure its operations, shifting its focus to digital platforms and expanding to video and social media content.
“We had to create a social media unit, a video unit collecting clips for Instagram and TikTok,” he revealed, acknowledging that the organization had no choice but to go where audiences are. Mayrina echoed this, saying that “GMA News has made a big push towards digital, creating smartphone-friendly versions of reports for platforms like YouTube and Facebook.”
Carandang noted that international outlets like The New York Times and Financial Times have successfully implemented paywalls, and local media might need to follow suit despite resistance from audiences used to free news. “People have to get used to paying for quality journalism,” he argued.
The Role of Perspective and Bias
Another topic that emerged was the idea of media bias. Carandang pointed out that “there is no such thing as unbiased media. We all have perspectives shaped by our experiences.” Instead of avoiding this, he suggested that journalists should aim for fairness and transparency, allowing audiences to see the facts from multiple angles.
Mayrina added that mainstream media has been forced to engage more with audiences due to social media. “Before, if someone disagreed with you, they’d send a letter to the editor. Now, feedback is instant, and the comment is out there for everyone to see.” This has pushed journalists to be more accountable but has also made them more cautious in their reporting, knowing that every word can be scrutinized.
Trust, Misinformation, and the Future of News
A major concern raised during the discussion was the public’s declining trust in mainstream media. A recent Reuters Institute study found that trust in Philippine media stands at just 37%, an improvement from 27% during the pandemic but still alarmingly low. Carandang suggested that part of this distrust stems from deliberate efforts to discredit traditional news sources. “There is a deliberate effort by many governments, mostly right-wing, to undermine media credibility,” he said.
However, he also admitted that mainstream media has historically been dominated by certain perspectives, which left some voices unheard. “Establishment media tended to be urban, highly educated, middle and upper class, and tended to skew liberal,” he noted, suggesting that opening up to more diverse viewpoints could help rebuild trust.
Finding Common Ground
Despite the challenges, the panelists expressed optimism for journalism’s future. Mayrina encouraged audiences to break out of their echo chambers, stating, “We need the discipline to listen to those we disagree with. That’s the only way we can be more discerning about what’s fake and what’s real.”
Coloma emphasized the importance of responsible journalism, reminding everyone that “to inform, inspire, and empower” should be the goal of the press. Meanwhile, Carandang left audiences with a critical question: “Is someone trying to influence you, or manipulate you? Influence is fine—good journalism presents facts with a perspective. But when someone appeals only to your emotions without regard for truth, that’s manipulation. We should push back on that.”
As news organizations continue to adapt to the digital era, the question remains: How can journalism regain public trust while staying financially viable?
You can now get the maiden copy of the Rolling Stone Philippines magazine online with award winning journalist Maria Ressa, seasoned actor John Lloyd Cruz, and OPM icon Eraserheads each gracing their own cover. The new publication seeks the same as its US-based counterpart, filling pages in with stories and commentaries on society, food, sports, and music.
