Journalist Camille Diola, chief editor of Philstar.com and Interaksyon, challenged campus journalists to use digital media with a purpose at the opening of the 26th Inkblots, an annual campus journalism fellowship held at the University of Santo Tomas on January 11. As the 2025 midterm elections approach, Diola said that adaptation to new technologies should be grounded in truth, commitment, and creativity.
Speaking to 300 participants from all over the country, Diola emphasized that speed and currency are important in digital journalism, but she also underlined the importance of presentation and packaging. "It's not really just about opening a website and posting on Facebook. You have to step back and see how you can make this work for the people who will receive the products we put out as journalists", she explained.
In the Reuters Institute Digital News Report, 61% of Filipinos report getting news from Facebook, while YouTube comes in second at 45%. The Philippines also features among the top 10 markets for TikTok as a source of news. Diola noted that digital media channels present special opportunities to convey news rapidly but pointed out that this has to be engaging and purposeful for the audience.
In discussing the digital transformation in journalism, Diola recalled how the shift to a work-from-home setup during the pandemic was seamless for Philstar.com. She noted that digitalization encompasses more than just news delivery—it's about adapting work processes. "You need to be agile, mobile, and hybrid. No matter where you live, the newsroom will always be alive because service is 24/7", she said, highlighting the ever-present nature of digital media.
Veteran journalist Nestor Cuartero, a speaker at the event, also reminded participants that credibility remains the key advantage of traditional journalism over social media. "Our biggest advantage is the credibility that we wield. We must always aspire to maintain that," he stressed.
Political journalist Christian Esguerra, the host of 'Facts First', encouraged participants to use their digital platforms in raising the standards of Filipino voters ahead of the 2025 national elections. "You guys are living in the best and the worst of times when it comes to digital technology. But I would like to focus on the best of times because you have a lot of opportunities to make use of your platforms", he encouraged.
An annual occasion to update campus journalists on industry trends and discuss the changing media landscape, this event was hosted by the Varsitarian, UST's official student publication.
