Senator Grace Poe Champions Print Media in the Era of Fake News

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At a recent event in Manila Hotel, Senator Grace Poe highlighted the enduring value of print media as a pillar of credible information, in response to the proliferation of fake news. This was during the induction of officers and general membership meeting of the United Print and Multimedia Group on March 26.

Senator Poe praised print media for its accountability and responsibility in journalism, contrasting it with the rapid and often unchecked dissemination of information on social media platforms. "Print remains essential in media today, because it is seen as a bastion of accountability and responsibility," she stated.

She emphasised that while social media's strength lies in the speed of content sharing, ethical practices such as fact-checking remain central to print journalism. "This is probably why print media is trusted and can confidently brand themselves as the guardians of truth," Poe added.

Poe also observed that traditional print and broadcast media are less susceptible to fake news allegations than digital platforms, which can heavily influence public opinion and politics by spreading misinformation.

In her remarks, Poe asserted that freedom of information and access to accurate details are fundamental to democracy in the Philippines. She reminded attendees that, regardless of medium, responsibility for content ultimately lies with those who create it, be they journalists, bloggers, or ordinary citizens.

Referencing a January 2023 study by Toluna, which found that 71% of consumers believed print provides deeper story comprehension, Poe suggested print and digital media should be viewed as complementary. "Print media’s virtues of depth, thoroughness, and trust can be married to the speed and wide reach of social media," she suggested, urging media professionals to find effective ways to integrate these strengths.

The senator's speech underscored the importance of preserving traditional media practices while embracing digital advancements, promoting a balanced and informed public discourse, reported Manila Bulletin.