News???

“(Name) pwede ka makapakilala sa amon para makuha mo man ang boto sang mga taga Negros!”

This was the opening statement of an interview.

Is this news?

I am not a journalist and I have no experience as a news reporter. For me this is a biased interview for the candidate, an implicit endorsement of the candidate.

The opening statement of the interviewer is a clear indication of what the interview is all about which is to introduce the candidate so that the Negrosanon will vote for him.

Is this fair and honest reporting?

I think a news report becomes honest when it provides important information that the audience or listeners will find helpful in making their decision, which in this case as the interviewer stated is to vote (para makuha mo ang boto nila) for this candidate.

That important information is that this candidate is pro-abortion.

This candidate has publicly expressed his intention to vote for the passage of a law that will “de-criminalize” abortion!

How can it be fair reporting when the candidate’s profile has highlighted his being a catechist during his younger years who studied in prestigious Catholic schools on top of being a social justice advocate and a labor leader?

But, not mentioning his anti - Church advocacy? Is that fair and honest reporting?

Secular Media Outlet?

If this news item was featured in a secular news outlet there would have been no fuss about it.

However, it is a different story for a media outlet that claims evangelization as its purpose.

Yet, without enlightening its audience as to the pro-abortion advocacy of this candidate, which is against the Church teachings, this media outlet is no different from other secular media outlet.

Freedom of the Press and Free Speech

I am not saying that this candidate should not be interviewed or featured.

Rather, I am asking whether this interview is promoting the media outlet’s goal of “evangelization” or not.

But, of course, my opinion is as good as yours.