In journalism, information is power, but for some, that power is best kept close. From scoops and sources to opportunities and influence, certain journalists have turned gatekeeping into a quiet art, deciding who gets access and who is left out. Yet in a profession built on uncovering truths and sharing stories, keeping knowledge and connections to oneself doesn’t just limit others—it weakens the very mission of the press.
Journalism should empower truth and raise awareness. But some treat it as a competition to win, hoarding information, techniques, or best practices, leaving young or less-connected reporters with few opportunities to grow. Hoarding best practices isn’t mentorship—it’s gatekeeping. By keeping the keys to knowledge to themselves, some journalists hold back the growth, creativity, and potential of their colleagues, weakening the profession as a whole.
I remember during the Division Schools Press Conference 2023, some school paper advisers who were part of the Technical Working Group (TWG) already knew the venue and the type of sports for the sports writing category. However, this information was kept within their own publications and only shared once the event had started. As a result, those of us without prior knowledge were late and missed the beginning of the competition. Experiences like this show how gatekeeping and exclusive opportunities can limit growth, create unfair disadvantages, and discourage collaboration.
If journalists are meant to serve the public, why do some treat knowledge and access as prizes to be hoarded rather than tools to empower others? By gatekeeping, they stunt the growth of fellow reporters and betray the principles of truth, transparency, and accountability they claim to uphold. The Journalist’s Creed emphasizes clear thinking, accurate reporting, and fairness as the foundation of good journalism. Hoarding information directly contradicts this creed, weakening the profession’s mission and denying the public fair access to information.
Don’t we share the same goal? Informing the public and shedding light on issues should unite, not divide us. Yet some treat it as a race, leaving colleagues behind and discouraging collaboration, creativity, and camaraderie. How can anyone grow and learn if knowledge is kept out of reach?
In the end, journalism thrives not when knowledge is hoarded, but when it flows freely. Those who keep access, connections, or expertise to themselves weaken not only their colleagues but the very mission of the profession: to inform, illuminate, and hold power accountable. If we truly value a press that serves the people, it is time to tear down the walls, share the keys, and let the light reach everyone who seeks to tell the truth.
Journalism should empower truth and raise awareness. But some treat it as a competition to win, hoarding information, techniques, or best practices, leaving young or less-connected reporters with few opportunities to grow. Hoarding best practices isn’t mentorship—it’s gatekeeping. By keeping the keys to knowledge to themselves, some journalists hold back the growth, creativity, and potential of their colleagues, weakening the profession as a whole.
I remember during the Division Schools Press Conference 2023, some school paper advisers who were part of the Technical Working Group (TWG) already knew the venue and the type of sports for the sports writing category. However, this information was kept within their own publications and only shared once the event had started. As a result, those of us without prior knowledge were late and missed the beginning of the competition. Experiences like this show how gatekeeping and exclusive opportunities can limit growth, create unfair disadvantages, and discourage collaboration.
If journalists are meant to serve the public, why do some treat knowledge and access as prizes to be hoarded rather than tools to empower others? By gatekeeping, they stunt the growth of fellow reporters and betray the principles of truth, transparency, and accountability they claim to uphold. The Journalist’s Creed emphasizes clear thinking, accurate reporting, and fairness as the foundation of good journalism. Hoarding information directly contradicts this creed, weakening the profession’s mission and denying the public fair access to information.
Don’t we share the same goal? Informing the public and shedding light on issues should unite, not divide us. Yet some treat it as a race, leaving colleagues behind and discouraging collaboration, creativity, and camaraderie. How can anyone grow and learn if knowledge is kept out of reach?
In the end, journalism thrives not when knowledge is hoarded, but when it flows freely. Those who keep access, connections, or expertise to themselves weaken not only their colleagues but the very mission of the profession: to inform, illuminate, and hold power accountable. If we truly value a press that serves the people, it is time to tear down the walls, share the keys, and let the light reach everyone who seeks to tell the truth.
Z
Written by Zaynah Jane Bayron (HeartlessSunny), Insight PH
Zaynah Jane Bayron (HeartlessSunny), Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
