Ever since I joined my school’s student publication back in 9th grade, I have always written articles in pursuit of the truth. Individual greatness was something that came in secondary behind the primary reason of my hands on why they continue to write: to write for the truth.
Now that I have gained more experience in the field of campus journalism, now that I am 3 years into my journey as a campus journalist, and now that I have obtained laurels that I never would have thought I would ever be able to achieve, one thought always comes into my mind: beyond recognition and laurels, the true duty of campus journalism in today’s world comes not in schools press conferences, rather, comes into the sworn oath that each and every CJ recites.
Because in a world that is slowly being shaped by oppression, wars, and AI — where the marginalized are slowly being forgotten and ideologies clash each and every day — the true duty of campus journalism is shaped not by how many times you obtain a podium finish, but by how many times you use your talent in writing, photojournalism, drawing or speaking to fight for what needs to be fought for.
In the perspective of me, a media arts student that is slowly being shaped by ethical principles that are meant to maintain a safe media landscape for everyone — journalism is not bound by the wanting to win, journalism is shaped by its true duty. Because journalism, in its core, is meant to inform the masses. It is not shaped by mass appeal, rather, is shaped by what is the truth — no matter how bitter it is to swallow.
When the United States supports Israel on its genocide, when Sara Duterte announces her bid for presidency, and when political ideologies that cancels each other out slowly shapes a generation that is more informed than ever — the true duty of campus journalism appear. Because students, no matter how many people cancel out their opinion because of conservative ideologies — will always have a voice that can affect the majority. History will always talk about how students stood up for the masses when the masses needed them the most. And that, in its core, is the true duty of campus journalism: to fight for the masses, for the truth, against fascism, tyranny and false narratives.
So when someone asks you — a fellow CJ — of the most exciting part of your presscon season, may you not forget that it is not the laurels, the trophies, but rather it is the opportunity to bring change. It is the chance to speak up for the oppressed, the marginalized and fight against imperialism, fight for democracy, and true liberty.
Because beyond recognition, the true duty of campus journalism lies deep within every CJ’s wanting to speak.
Written by King Razon (Vis), Insight PH
King Razon (Vis), Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
