(UPDATED) One of Asia’s oldest universities seems to need lecturing about online journalism.
In its reaction to Rappler’s recent story on Chief Justice Renato Corona’s questionable Ph.D., the University of Santo Tomas (UST) said it did not give its side to the author, Marites Dañguilan Vitug, due to its concerns regarding online journalism, among other things.
“UST said it did not reply to Marites Vitug’s query because it was at a loss on how to respond to ‘online journalism,'” said a story on the Philippine Daily Inquirer by UST professor and publications adviser Lito Zulueta.
“Does anyone claiming to be an online journalist (sic) given the same attention as one coming from the mainstream press?” said the statement from the 400-year-old UST.
Vitug’s story, “UST breaks rules to favor Corona,” says the Chief Justice finished his UST doctorate without the required dissertation. Her story is now the most read piece on Rappler, a trailblazing news website that now includes Newsbreak, the hard-hitting investigative magazine that Vitug co-founded.
“We understand that while Miss Vitug used to be a print journalist, she’s part of an online magazine, Newsbreak, which has reportedly been subsumed into ‘www.rappler.com.’ What’s that?” the UST statement said.
The page “About Rappler,” which should have answered UST’s questions about the site, was its third most read item when UST released this statement.
“Is that a legitimate news organization?” the university added. “What individuals and entities fund Newsbreak and Rappler? Do these outfits have editors? Who challenged Miss Vitug’s article before it went online so as to establish its accuracy, objectivity and fairness? Why was there no prior disclosure made? What gate-keeping measures does online journalism practice?”
Yes, UST, I am proud to be an online journalist. Sorry, we don’t “deserve” your attention as much as our print counterparts do. But trust me: we also know how to write, we do have editors, and we try to reach all affected parties before we post our stories. We also pledge to be accurate, objective, and fair.
Rappler’s Vitug wasn’t able to include your explanation, unfortunately, because she is now an online journalist like our other insulted colleagues.
Concerned Citizen
January 2, 2012
I’m not a journalist but I am a keen reader of newpaper articles on print and online. I also had experience editing school newsletters in high school, so I know a thing or two about the subject matter. The crux of the issue lies in whether or not only ‘official’ media/newspaper outfits can submit queries on articles written by other newspapers or, in this case, a school organ. Is it not enough for one to explore a particular take on the issue based on the questions submitted alone? Why do the questions have to come from a ‘reputable’ source? Good argumentation rests on addressing opposing points of view and overcoming the arguments raised by others. What The Varsitarian did, simply put, is to peddle, in their own myopic, irresponsible way, their take on the matter and expose it as the sole truth which all must believe. What a pity.
thewideshot
January 2, 2012
Thanks for the comment, Concerned Citizen! I’m not sure, though, about the involvement of The Varsitarian here. I think it was UST’s central admin that released the statement, hehe. 😉
Hub Pacheco
January 2, 2012
This is a bit of a stretch, but I think one of the distinctions that online journalists have to contend with is the proliferation of bloggers. I know it’s easy and simple to figure out which are which, but for some like the UST reps who made that statement, maybe they don’t know which are which. A changing times we live in these days.
thewideshot
January 2, 2012
I agree with your point on bloggers. What I just don’t understand is how the officials of UST, an academic institution, cannot “know which are which.” They’re supposed to teach that in their journalism department. A 400-year-old school cannot be THAT ignorant, and “at a loss,” about something as basic as checking “About Us.” Haha di ba?
Joan
January 2, 2012
ugh! as a thomasian, i feel sooo embarassed 😮 but well, that’s the problem with UST. It remains bureaucratic and traditional that it fails to recognise emerging tools of journalism and methods of education. If we challenge any of their “moral stance,” we get called to the office and intimidated with a bad school record and probable disciplinary action. oh well.. life as a thomasian.
thewideshot
January 2, 2012
Thanks for sharing this, Joan! It’s always good to speak up 😉
allanlazaro
January 3, 2012
Nagising ang TWS a.:D
thewideshot
January 3, 2012
Hahaha oo masyado nang matagal ang pagkakahimbing! =))
Anna Perez
January 3, 2012
Ika nga nila, ang tinuturo sa paaralan ay siya rin ang mararanasan sa mundong labas. Hindi ko naman nakikitang isyu rito ang pagkaka-hirang kay Corona bilang cum laude, ngunit kung paano siya nakakuha ng mataas na parangal, eh yung mismong thesis niya sort of “non-existent.” Sa totoo lang, officer ako noon ng isang student org. and parang ang trato talaga sa mga estudyante, like how we are treated outside. Kung walang pera, walang influence… kahit magpakamatay ka sa pagsi-sipag, sa kangkungan ka pa rin pupulutin. Kaya yung ganitong bagay, it’s no surprise for me. Kasi panalo sila maka-defend sa mga sarili. Maaring parte ito ng self-defense tactic nila.
thewideshot
January 3, 2012
Yes, the poor and powerless are the most vulnerable to injustice. We hope for change. Salamat sa comment, Anna!
Cart
January 13, 2012
That has always been the problem with the old man (UST): they think and they act like they knew they’re always right.
Yes. Bottomline question: Bakit nga ba kase hindi sinagot ab initio?