Arnold Clavio on Media Ethics (the video)

With the resurrection of my home computer, I was finally able to upload the Arnold Clavio interview.  However, I had to create a new VodPod account since YouTube rejected it for being too long.  :) 

Very briefly, the interview can be broken down into four parts:

1) Early beginnings: How Arnold Clavio became a broadcast journalist.

2) The importance of media education.

3) GMA7’s own Code of Ethics.

4) Arnold’s take on “envelopmental journalism” and other ethical violations committed by media practitioners.

A word of warning though: the video’s long (under 20 minutes) so some computers may take more time streaming it.

My special thanks to Chyndy Liberia (who arranged the interview) and to Gen Rebosa who loaned me her video camera.

By the way, I had to edit this in less than an hour so it’s pretty straightforward. Besides, it was for class and I really didn’t want to do anything to take attention away from what Arnold was saying. Feel free to re-post it on your own websites/blogs as long as you give me due credit. I think if more people will be able to hear what he has to say, the better.

Just click here or the link I provided at this blog to view the entire video.

Softwares used: Final Cut Pro and Garage Band

one-on-one with arnold clavio

I’ve had a long-time crush on Arnold Clavio (I have a weakness for smart guys who make me laugh) so when the opportunity came for me to finally meet “Igan” face to face, I jumped at the chance.

I’m taking up a media ethics class this semester and as part of the course requirement, we’re required to interview media practitioners about ethics in the media. Being pressed for time, I asked the help of a producer-friend from the news department via a desperate text message. In less than 30 minutes, she was able to give me an interview appointment the very next night. Apparently, Mr. Clavio was more than happy to accommodate my request.

So armed with a video camera (courtesy of another friend) and my trusty digital stillcam, I waited until he finished anchoring Saksi.  I can’t stop smiling! Para akong tanga! Our initial meeting was a bit shaky on my part–I mean, I adore the guy! I don’t really get affected by celebrities but it’s different with people I actually like. Reviewing the tape afterwards, I thought I made a complete fool of myself. I’m usually quite articulate but during my interview I stammered and stumbled all over my questions. Talk about giving a good impression…

I never wanted to work for news because I have a very cynical point of view about people who actually work for the news.  But I guess my idol-worship or in this case, “arnold”-worship overshadowed my cynicism.  He made me feel that journalism is still an honest, honourable career.

I still need to edit the video and present it to class next week. I’m going to try and ask Mr. Clavio’s permission if I can post the final output on my blog.

shut up or be sued

The libel law is now used by those in power as a tool for reression.  It’s most avid supporter would probably be the First Gentleman himself who, at the last count, filed 15 libel suits against 47 newspaper reporters, columnists, editors and publishers.  Evidently, those in power have chosen the libel law as their weapon of choice to scare off reporters and journalists who write or publish items they “disagree” with. Since this is evidently the case, I’m all for decriminilazing the libel law since I believe that it has lost its real purpose.

Going back to Arroyo… I mean, look at all libel cases he filed. Someone writes about anything negative—from his “shady” dealings to his weight—and he sues. He claims to be a private citizen (which, I believe, is a stupid defense) and seems to forget the fact that he is MARRIED to the president. He obviously doesn’t file the cases because he wants justice served; he files them because he CAN.

So he did.

To prevent the first gentleman and the likes of him from using the libel law as a scare tactic against journalists, the law should be abolished or AT LEAST re-written to prevent such misuse and abuse. Although there are journalists who, in their arrogance, believe that they’re a power in themselves, I believe that this is the lesser of the two evils. I’d rather have an unrepressed media than a restricted one. A responsible media that can write, report or publish whatever it deems the public should know without fear of any repercussions.