In times of crisis, silence is complicity—and journalism must refuse to be silent. As power consolidates, dissent is criminalized, and truth is distorted by manufactured lies, the media’s watchdog role is not just essential—it is revolutionary.
This reflection on the media’s mission was originally delivered before a gathering of journalists and students in a press freedom forum. Yet its urgency—and relevance—extends far beyond any single audience. It is a call to everyone who believes that journalism is not just a profession, but a public trust.
Journalism must do more than inform
It must interrogate. It must resist the erosion of democratic space, expose the violence of impunity, and amplify the voices that power seeks to erase. When institutions fail and justice is delayed, it is the vigilant press that must hold the line.
What does it mean to be a watchdog?
At its core, the watchdog role is about scrutiny. It is about monitoring those who wield power—government officials, corporations, institutions—and ensuring that their actions are transparent, accountable, and just. It is the voice that asks difficult questions when others fall silent. It is the eye that sees through official narratives. And it is the conscience that reminds society that power, left unchecked, tends to serve itself before the people.
In a healthy democracy, watchdog journalism ensures that those in power do not operate in the shadows. It protects public interest, amplifies the concerns of the marginalized, and safeguards the integrity of public discourse.
Journalism scholars Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel, authors of The Elements of Journalism, describe the media as “an independent monitor of power,” tasked with “watching over the powerful few in society on behalf of the many to guard against tyranny.”
Present challenges
The threats we face today are complex and evolving.
First, there is the growing climate of disinformation—an ecosystem designed not just to obscure the truth, but to exhaust the public’s capacity to recognize it. Disinformation campaigns have blurred the line between truth and propaganda, eroding trust in legitimate journalism.
Second, we face institutional pressure. Regulatory harassment, legal intimidation, and the weaponization of laws—like cyberlibel—are increasingly used to silence critical reporting. Many newsrooms, particularly independent and regional ones, operate under constant threat of shutdown or arrest.
Third, there is the economic vulnerability of the media industry itself. Financial sustainability is a crisis, not just a concern. When news organizations rely heavily on advertisers, political patrons, or platform algorithms, the independence of editorial judgment is inevitably compromised.
Lastly, the safety of journalists remains a grave concern. Asia—especially the Philippines—remains one of the most dangerous regions in the world to practice journalism. From online threats to extrajudicial killings, the risks are real, and too often, they are met with impunity.
The watchdog role must endure
Despite these obstacles, the watchdog role is not a luxury. It is a necessity.
Without it, the abuses of power go unchallenged. Corruption thrives. Human rights violations are concealed. Public discourse is poisoned by lies and half-truths. And the most vulnerable in our society—the poor, the marginalized, the silenced—remain invisible.
This is why our role must not only endure; it must be strengthened.
To the present generation of journalists: our duty is not only to report what is happening, but to explain why it matters. To illuminate patterns. To demand accountability. And to do so with accuracy, fairness, and unrelenting courage.
To the next generation: we pass on more than a profession—we pass on a mission. Your role will be even more difficult, but it will also be more necessary. And you will not walk that path alone. You will stand on the shoulders of those who came before you—and beside those who continue to fight today.
Media’s role as watchdog
To hold power accountable, the media must first be credible. And to be credible, the media must uphold ethical standards, practice editorial independence, and exercise moral authority—especially when defending press freedom from external restraints.
We must also minimize harm, particularly in sensitive situations such as hostage crises, suicides, and natural disasters. Consider, for example, the 2010 Manila hostage crisis, where live coverage compromised rescue operations and placed lives at greater risk. Sensationalist reporting in suicide cases has likewise drawn criticism for ignoring ethical standards. When the media fails to regulate itself, it invites government intervention—ultimately eroding press freedom.
Ethical foundations of journalism
Truth-telling, independence, compassion, justice, and stewardship. These are not only abstract ideals. They are working principles. And they are continuously threatened by corruption, conflicts of interest, sensationalism, and the entanglements of media ownership.
Corporate media, often driven by profit motives, tends to frame stories through the lens of commercial interests rather than the public good. In contrast, alternative media often fill the gaps left by mainstream outlets. They become vital watchdogs when dominant media fail—whether from timidity, censorship, or conflicts of interest.
Objectivity and journalism
Contextual reporting strengthens the watchdog role beyond “he said, she said” accounts or superficial coverage. It allows the media to critically examine and interpret government actions, policies, and societal issues. Context empowers the media to hold power accountable more effectively by revealing underlying causes, implications, and connections that raw facts alone cannot convey.
Being a watchdog does not mean being “objective” in the traditional sense. Fairness, balance, and independence are vital—but objectivity, as an ideal, should not be confused with neutrality or detachment.
Journalists make subjective decisions all the time: what stories to pursue, who to interview, how to frame a narrative. What we can and must do is uphold objective methods:
- transparent sourcing
- multiple perspectives
- rigorous verification
- honesty about what we know and don’t know
Objectivity lies in the process—not the person. We must also critique “he said, she said” reporting, which is mere stenography, not journalism. Without analysis or context, simply presenting two opposing views does not inform the public—it misleads them. Our role is not just to report, but to interpret, contextualize, and challenge.
Accountability: Who watches the watchdog?
Journalists must also be accountable. Mechanisms like citizens’ press councils, independent review bodies such as the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), and local press associations play a vital role in maintaining this balance.
Accountability demands humility. We are not above criticism. We must welcome feedback, correct errors, and engage communities in dialogue.
Journalism’s enduring responsibility
Kovach and Rosenstiel remind us: “The first task of the new journalist/sense maker is to verify what information is reliable and then order it so people can grasp it efficiently.” In a time of digital deluge, where misinformation competes with facts, part of our responsibility is to equip citizens with the tools to think critically and extract meaning from the noise.
The late Luis Teodoro—renowned media critic, journalism educator, and former dean of the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication—put it plainly: “The journalist’s first loyalty is to the facts.” Truth-telling, he believed, was not just an ethical choice—it was a professional standard. Journalism assumes that truth is discoverable, that reality exists outside of opinion, and that it is our job to detect, describe, and explain it.
And he left us with this challenge: If we cannot explain the world in ways that help people liberate themselves—and instead only deepen their ignorance and fear—we are no better than servants of the exploiters who made the world what it is.
Campus journalism and future watchdogs
Campus journalists must embrace this role early. School publications are training grounds where the values of truth-telling, independence, and public service are first tested. Even in academic settings, journalism must challenge injustice, expose inefficiencies, and amplify student voices. The habits formed in campus journalism often define the courage of future reporters.
Yet campus journalists today face censorship, budget constraints, administrative interference, and threats to editorial autonomy. These are not isolated incidents—they mirror broader assaults on press freedom. Supporting campus journalism is not only about nurturing talent; it is about defending democratic practice at its roots. We must empower student journalists to stand firm.
A commitment
The watchdog role is not simply an assignment—it is a commitment. It is the heartbeat of a free society. And in perilous times such as these, when the truth is contested and the terrain is hostile, that role becomes even more vital.
Let us continue to speak truth to power. Let us protect the integrity of our work. And let us ensure that the watchdog never sleeps.
Mark Saludes is the editor of LiCAS News. He is a Manila-based journalist reporting on human rights, social justice, environmental issues, and the role of faith communities across Asia.
