‘No envelopes’ policy for Cebu media outlets

Cebu Daily News publisher Eileen G. Mangubat, Sun.Star managing editor Cherry Ann Lim, dyHP station manager Ruphil Banoc, Freeman online editor Joeberth Ocao and Sun.Star editor-in-chief Isolde Amante at the forum “Conversations” with mass media students. PHOTO/CHRISTIAN MANINGO)

CEBU’s major news  outlets reiterated their policy to reject cash or inappropriate gifts from news sources during a forum   with mass media student  on prepartions for  the 2016 elections.

The forum held at the Southwestern University (SWU) yesterday drew as panelists  Cebu Daily News publisher Eileen Mangubat, Sun.Star Cebu’s editor-in-chief Isolde Amante with managing editor Cherry Ann Lim, The Freeman’s asst. news and online editor Joeberth Ocao and dyHP  station manager and lawyer Ruphil Banoc.

“It is a clear policy for our staff that we do not accept envelopes,” Mangubat said referring to cash gifts offered by news sources to influence a story.  Otherwise,  a staffer is at risk of losing his or her job.

As part of CDN’s  protocol, she said any money that isn’t rejected outright  should be disclosed to the editor and then  donated to a  charity of one’s choice. “A letter will be sent to the concerned party with a receipt informing them  the amount  was donated,” Mangubat said.

Bañoc said allegaitons of bribery can affect the credibility of a journalist.

“If our credibility is  affected, this affects our ratings and advertising,” he added.

“We  have a policy  that broadcasters in our station who run for office or work for a candidate’s campaign have to file a leave,” he said in radio dyHP.

When asked by Niño Earl Tumulak of Cebu Normal University (CNU) what should be done if   reporters  are seen accepting envelopes, Amante said, “Go to the editor and advise them. It’s much better if you have evidence. It (bribery) does not just happen in political coverages. Be vigilant.” She said Sun.Star’s code of ethics  prohibits soliciting money or favors from sources.

Another student asked how editors know if a news story is biased.

“The role of  editors is very important because they have  a wider perspective and appreciation of the story. Journalists must only be loyal to its readers or viewers,” Ocao said.

Lim said editors  can notice biased news items based on patterns, for example, if  a writer submits stories “about the same candidate without asking controversial angles,” she said.

Bañoc said the station calls the attention of reporters to be balanced especially if the news stories are sensitive.

“For example, if we have a one-hour interview with Tomas Osmeña then the following day we will do the same with Mayor Michael Rama,” he said.