Pressed Press: The Practice of Press Self-Censorship and its Effects on Media’s Role in Democracy

Abstract

With the declaration of state of national emergency last February 2006, the idea of press freedom and its relations with the state were once again in question. But more to immediate facts, there is still the contentious issue whether or not journalists remain true to their profession despite the existing dangers and vulnerabilities that come part and parcel of their job. Thus, it is asked in this research study the phenomenon and effects of press self-censorship, an experience that was witnessed more than twenty years earlier when Philippines was ruled by a dictator. In the present context of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration, it tries to answer how the print media responds to state pressure, business dynamics and their social responsibility. Consequently, the study seeks to answer what self-censorship makes out of the citizens. Key-informant interviews among editors and media professionals were conducted to delve into the issue of self-censorship - its definition, practices, extent and possible effects. Literature review was done to provide the precursors - print media relations with the state and the economics of newspapers - to selfcensorship. Survey among newspaper readers was conducted to assess the effects of self-censorship to their political thinking and actions. The study shows that self-censorship is generated by fear of one’s life, of one’s profession, of losing profits, and from state executive powers. It is manifested in non-objective and biased news presentation, slanted truth, disregard for non-tragic stories, elitist character of papers and tamed reporting. As a result, the general public is uneducated about the social issues surrounding them, and the media’s role in democracy is unfulfilled.