Report by Mandie Asejo | Photos by Joaquin Umali
Media professionals and students from various educational institutions gathered at the University of Assumption's Msgr. Ricardo Serrano Auditorium for the 1st Pampanga Press Freedom Conference, yesterday, September 27.
The event, organized by the UA Mass Communication Students Association, welcomed representatives from Tarlac State University’s Communicators’ Guild, along with students pursuing Bachelor of Arts in Communication.
With the theme, “Not Generated: Impact of AI in the Evolving Media Landscape Amid the Upcoming Midterm Elections,” the conference set the stage for in-depth discussions on how AI is reshaping media practices and its implications on journalistic integrity.
Mr. Reinel Pawid, a news correspondent from TV5, joined the morning session of the conference as a guest speaker, delivering an informative presentation on the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence in journalism and media. He highlighted how AI can aid tasks such as transcription, language translation, headline creation, and generating graphics for media presentations.
However, Mr. Pawid also cautioned about AI’s potential adverse effects on the media landscape, particularly its impact on the quality of investigative journalism and the occupational hazards it poses to the broadcasting industry.
“Hindi tayo parrot, na kung ano ang sabihin ay yun ang gagawin natin,” he said, resonating with the audience, driving home the point that journalists must maintain their critical thinking and independence in the age of AI.
Meanwhile, Ms. Angelica Marie Simpao-Seño, Chairperson of the University of Assumption (UA) AB Communication Program, gave an interesting talk on the techniques and strategies of scriptwriting for television and radio, explaining the component of writing the scripts as well as the interviewing process to depict to the students what one is engaged in within the broadcast media.
In the afternoon session, Ms. Sarah Mae Lugtu, a podcaster and founder of Sarah’s Bedtime Stories on Spotify, inspired the audience with her presentation on storytelling and shared her personal journey, beginning with a realization of her inner self, progressing to an understanding of the arts as a means to an end, and ultimately embracing the commercialization of creativity and also explaining that such interweaving of stories can connect people and form relationships.
“Storytelling is about being human, sharing human experiences, and building genuine connections,” she said.
Ms, Lugtu also launched the hard copy of her e-book, “Finding Good Everyday,” at the event, giving back to the University of Assumption, where her podcasting journey began.
Attendees from TSU were led by Communicators’ Guild president, Romer Madrid, with the guidance of their adviser and Communication Department Chairperson, Asst. Professor Maria Fermina Joyce C. Nucum, and co-adviser, Mr. Derich D. Bognot.
Moreover, among those who attended were the Holy Cross College, Lubao National High School, Pampanga National High School, Holy Angel University, City College of San Fernando, Systems Plus College Foundation Miranda Extension, San Vicente Pilot School for Philippine Craftsmen, and Camba National High School.
The Press Freedom Conference gave the AB Communication students the opportunity to actively engage in the keynote talks and learn from industry experts.
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