Let’s huddle: What’s the state of campus journalism?

MANILA, Philippines– When threats to press freedom have become rampant, what can campus publications do to rise triumphant in this new age of student journalism?

Student journalists face new challenges as widespread propaganda operations muddle conversations in digital platforms and get in the way of objective reporting. This is further aggravated by the intimidation of the press, which has extended to cover even campus journalists as well.

Since 2010, the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) has recorded almost 1,000 campus press freedom violations involving actual censorship of editorial content, harassment of student writers and editors, administrative intervention and withholding of funds among others.

CEGP said almost 200 student publications from different state and local universities and colleges nationwide are on the brink of being defunded. (READ: The different faces of press freedom violations vs campus journalists)

The oldest and broadest alliance of college editors attributed this partly to the implementation of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act or the Free Higher Education Law since its implementing rules and guidelines do not require the collection of student publication fees.

Aside from struggles with funding, several publications face intimidation from state forces due to their reporting and activities.

These incidents happen despite the existence of RA 7079 or the Campus Journalism Act of 1991. (READ: Does the Campus Journalism Act protect press freedom?)

Hoping to unpack the challenges faced by student journalists today, Rappler’s civic engagement arm MovePH is leading a huddle, an action-oriented gathering among students, groups, and advocates.

In the huddle, we explore how we can help forward the state of campus journalism, and find ways to amplify voices in the community despite the hurdles. (READ: Why campus journalists should go beyond classrooms)

Join us as MovePH hosts a huddle on the state of campus journalism on Saturday, February 22, 1pm to 5pm at the Rappler HQ.

We’ll also introduce the revamped version of the MovePH network– an ecosystem of civic action enablers and doers collaborating towards sustainable progress and nation-building.

Campus publications, especially, play an integral role in this network as journalism takes a step beyond mere objective reportage, into the realm of advocacy and social involvement. 

Student journalists are highly encouraged to join the huddle. Click the button to below to register or fill out this form.

An email will be sent to confirm your reservation to the Huddle.

Aside from the Huddle, MovePH is also doing a series of roadshows around the Philippines to bridge the online gap by bringing the conversation to communities. – Rappler.com