PODCAST: The relationship between the media and Rodrigo Duterte

MANILA, Philippines – President-elect Rodrigo Duterte recently distanced himself from Philippine media by starting his own “boycott” after he got in hot water over controversial statements he made during press conferences.

These statements include his stand on media killings, stating that some of those slain “deserved” their fate as they were corrupt journalists. This prompted Paris-based watchdog group Reporters Without Borders to urge journalists to boycott the Davao city mayor.

The media, however, decided to continue covering him.

People within the circle of Duterte, however, have continuously cautioned against misinterpreting the pronouncements of the president-elect. They urged the press to be “more discerning.”

On June 3, it was announced that he will no longer have press conferences to “minimize mistakes” and instead will course interviews through state-owned PTV. This “boycott,” Duterte said, will last until he steps down as president in 2022. (READ: Duterte: Sorry, no interviews ‘until end of my term’)

Rappler’s editor-at-large Marites Vitug talks to Vincent Lazatin, one of the conveners of Media Nation, on the relationship between the media and Duterte. Media Nation convenes media executives and journalists to tackle issues the industry faces.

According to him, it’s time for media reports to shift focus to the substance of the president-elect’s speeches over his expletives. The press, to better cover Duterte, should treat him as a “troll who says things just to provoke” since falling into his trap will lead the discussion to spiral out of control.  

Lazatin, however, said that Duterte’s statement that there are corrupt members of the press is valid and should be addressed.

Listen in and send us your feedback. – Rappler.com