The social media platforms have taken over the distribution of news globally. They treat a lie the same way you would treat a fact.
Maria RessaRead
Let me go back to a fundamental thing we all used to agree on: information is power. That's why we became journalists in the first place.
Interpretation
Information empowers individuals and societies, making journalism a crucial profession.
Maria Ressa's quote emphasizes the foundational belief that information is a vital source of power in society. As journalists, their role is to gather and disseminate knowledge, enabling the public to make informed decisions and hold power to account. This underscores the importance of truth and transparency in journalism as a means to foster a knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of media integrity.
The social media platforms have taken over the distribution of news globally. They treat a lie the same way you would treat a fact.
The difference between Rappler and other newsgroups in the Philippines is that journalists control Rappler both editorially and commercially. We make decisions that are bad for business but protect the public sphere.
If you want to rip the heart out of a democracy, you go after the facts. That's what modern authoritarians do. You lie. All the time. Then, you say it's your opponents and the journalists who lie.
Embrace your fear. Imagine what you're most afraid of, touch it and hold it so that you rob it of its power.
Technology enabled Rappler's fast growth starting in 2012, but we were also among the first victims when social media was weaponized in 2016.
In 14 months, my government, the Philippine 2 government, has filed 11 cases. I posted bail eight times, I've been arrested twice in five weeks, detained once, and the only thing I've done, my only crime is to be a journalist, to speak truth to power.
Between here and heaven, every minute that the Christian lives will be a minute of grace.
But if you'll prosper, mark what I advise, Whom age, and long experience render wise.
Some of the things are the same no matter which world you're in, kid. One of 'em is this: The quickest way out of something is usually straight through it.
Of old the expert in battle would first make himself invincible and then wait for his enemy to expose his vulnerability.
Growth is limited by that necessity which is present in the least amount.
Rage cannot be hidden, it can only be dissembled. This dissembling deludes the thoughtless, and strengthens rage and adds, to rage, contempt.
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