The Importance of Pursuing A College Degree in Journalism Amid The Emerging Number of Non-Journalism Graduates Working in The Media

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Gonzales, Taduran Importance of College Degree in Journalism

Ateneo de Naga University
Department of Media Studies

The Importance of Having a Journalism Degree Amid the
Emerging Number of Non-Journalism Graduates Working
in the Media

Gonzales, Loen May F.
Taduran, Christian S.
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CHAPTER 1

Introduction

RATIONALE
Journalism in the Philippines spurred long before the Martial Law
days even started in 1972. Indeed, even during the very familiar Spanish
Colonization era, nascent signs of the Filipinos need to express their
grievances and to disseminate information in what appeared to be a
country beginning to slide down into passivity on account of the
protracted Spanish occupation were prevalent across the Philippines. Of
course, there was the historic La Solaridad which published hard-
hitting, firebrand stories that challenged the rubberstamp Spanish
government then in the country. After that, there came the Kalayaan
that broke the very first commentary ever published in the history of the
Philippines. This first commentary would later be the prototype of several
other commentaries in the Philippine newspaper dominant even to this
day. All of these were short-lived, however. Although it is indeed
impossible to trace back the very first form of information dissemination
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in the Philippines, it is however safe to argue that Philippine journalism
at least had its landmark growth during the prohibitive age of foreign
occupation, including the imperialist American regime. When the
nationalist Filipinos won over the Spaniards, the Americans took over;
the backlash on the budding Philippine journalism then was, without
doubt, enormous. Quite apart from Spains outright extra-legal practice
of prohibiting anti-Spanish journalistic and literary works, the Americans
did it legally by enacting laws that discouraged, if not entirely stopped
the editorialist nature of the Philippine newspaper. Freedom of the press
would eventually be at the Filipinos disposal, several years later, right in
the aftermath of the legendary ouster of Dictator Ferdinand Emmanuel
Edralin Marcos in February of 1986.
Today, Philippine journalism has obviously reached its peak. This
research will, however, focus on local newspapers only. With the
multitude of newspapers sprouting in every corner of the country,
literally and figuratively, the demand for journalists has likewise
flourished. This might be the reason why the executive board in every
newspaper company has since hired the help of non-journalism
graduates in the field. Veteran journalist and Former CNN Jakarta
Bureau Chief Maria Ressa was taking a pre-medical track in Princeton
University when she started her journalistic career in Asia.
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Despite the number of schools here in the Philippines that offer four-
year journalism degrees, scores of journalists today in the media
graduated with degrees not actually related to the field they are working
ona number of them being educated in journalism by the actual
experience as apprentice staffers in certain newspapers. As a result, this
questions the importance of attending formal journalism classes in
universities for more or less four years. Furthermore, this places the very
foundation of those currently enrolled in journalism courses on a very
shaky foothold.
This is the reality in the modern media that the researchers have
observed today. In connection to such reality, this research will focus on
the importance of the journalism degree to the actual field. The
researchers, with the help of the local media experts, hope to bolster and
reinforce the need for aspiring journalists to pursue a journalism degree
if they ever plan to land a job on certain newspapers.
This research, citing actional realism as its guiding ontological
paradigm, also dawns on the choice of graduateswhether by need or by
wantto pursue a career in journalism regardless of their college degree.
Apart from the fact that they need to get a job related to the course they
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took in college, they also have the choice to work according to their
environment. This could be the lack of job opportunities for them or that
reporting is truly their passion from the very start. On a constructivist
setting, on the one hand, this research will not be dwelling on empirical
data but more on the interpretation and analyses by some veteran
journalists. Therefore, the research will be more or less theoretical and
descriptive in nature.
In the end, this will basically juxtapose journalism and non-
journalism graduates and explain how mere journalistic skill can
outweigh a degree in journalism. At best, it will explain why many of
veteran journalists today who either took up other college courses
unrelated to journalism before or did not finish college entirely still can
compete with journalists who had degrees in journalism. But at the very
most, this will push journalism students not to rely on a simple degree in
journalism but gather even better knowledge and experiences that
cannot be learned within the four walls of the classroom.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
With the emerging number of non-journalism graduates working as
professional journalists in the field of media, the researchers came up
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with this study which aims to know the significance of journalism as a
course. Specifically, the study attempts to answer the following
questions:
1. How can someone be considered as a journalist?
2. What are the exact qualifications the executive boards are
looking for from aspiring journalists for them to be hired?
3. What are the skills necessary for non-journalism graduates for
them to become a journalist?
4. What is the edge of journalism graduates over non-journalism
graduates as they go over their journalistic endeavors?

OBJECTIVES
This study aims to know the importance of a bachelors degree in
journalism in the midst of non-journalism graduates working as
professional journalists in the field of media. Specifically, this study
attempts to know the following:
1. The standards of being a journalist.
2. The exact qualifications the executive boards are looking for
from aspiring journalists for them to be hired.
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3. The skills necessary for non-journalism graduates to become a
journalist.
4. The edge of journalism graduates over non-journalism
graduates as they go over their journalistic endeavors.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study will benefit the field of media, specifically journalism.
Furthermore, this can be of help to:
Journalism aspirants High school students, journalism undergrads,
journalism degree holders, non-degree holders and non-journalism
graduates who dream to be journalists. This study will aid them to make
wise decisions as they pursue their journalistic endeavors. This study
will further answer their queries on the advantages and disadvantages of
pursuing a degree in journalism and whether journalism is still a
worthwhile course.
Journalism practitioners People who are in the media, specifically in
print, such as the editors, columnists and researchers. This study will be
beneficial to them as this research may be a subject of interest to the
editors or the executive board, to be a reference as they hire journalists.
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Columnists and other non-executives may refer to this research in
assessing the edge of journalism graduates over non-journalism
graduates and vice versa.
Academes Colleges, universities and other educational institutions that
offer courses in journalism. This study will be beneficial to academes as
it may lead an improvement on the standards of journalism as a course.
This research may provoke the academe to take a look at the future of
their students and realize the unfairness of career opportunities landing
on the same position as other journalism aspirants who hadnt gone
formal education in journalism.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
This research study is concerned with the importance of taking a
college degree in journalism to the actual field. This study will be
conducted in Ateneo de Naga University for the 1st semester of academic
year 2012-2013.
Out of all the types of mass media: print; outdoor and; electronic, the
researchers chose not to include all three types but to only focus on print
media. Furthermore, although the researchers wish to analyze and
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interpret the nationwide pattern created by the reportorial abilities of
journalism and non-journalism graduates today, they will only limit the
research on newspapers making the rounds within Camarines Sur.
However, on the interpretation and analysis by veteran journalists,
the researchers interviewees will not be restricted within the local scene.
The researchers may therefore ask for opinion from journalists in
national newspapers such as the Philippine Daily Inquirer,
BusinessWorld, Philippine Star, among others.
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CHAPTER 2
Review of Related Literature and Studies

RELATED LITERATURE
The importance of journalism and the media at this age and period of
democracy is undeniable. In a democratic equation, there are three
types of identities: the politicians, the public, and the publication. The
three elite Ps of the democratic process which, through their correlation
with each other, make modern democracy unique compared to other
political philosophies (djussila, 2009).
Having such impact in the face of democracy, a career in media,
specifically journalism, is sought after by many aspirants. These
aspirants go over decision-making: to jump over a career in journalism
with pure luck, backboned with courage and innate skills, or risk money
and time and go for a degree in journalism.
Journalism is a job, not a profession, because a profession requires
certain criterion for admitting people into the profession, and on the
same note, expelling undesired people out; and a job only requires being
hired by an employer. Earning colleagues respect or not would not kick
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you out from being a journalist (Bernstein, 2009). Journalism has always
been a craftin rare moments an artbut never a profession. It depends
too much on the perception, skill, empathy and honesty of the
practitioner rather than on the acquisition of technical knowledge and
skills (Smith, 1970). It does not require formal education. Thus,
journalism is considered by some as a vocational course and not a
worthwhile degree.
In the Philippines, where the basic education curriculum, which was
followed since time immemorial and had just been amended this present
year, is not enough to give you a decent job, therefore a college degree is
given stress on. A diploma is considered as a ticket to the future
(Gonzales, 2009). The value of a college degree is as important as ones
gate pass to success. But how can a journalism aspirant, with no enough
money to waste on an unsure path be in the best track towards the job
he or she dreams of?
Cons of a Journalism Degree
As much as aspirants would want to be in the limelight, quite a
number of disparaging comments against going for a diploma in
journalism because of practicality make them think twice.
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As late as the 1950s, more than half of all reporters lacked a college
degree (Smith, 1970). Many in the news business will tell you that the
basic skills of reporting, writing, and interviewing are best learned not in
a classroom but by covering real stories for the college newspaper. That's
how many journalists learned their craft, and in fact, some of the biggest
stars in the business never took a journalism course in their life (Rogers).
Topping the Daily Beasts 20 Most Useless Degrees is Journalism
(2011). While landing a job as a journalist is definitely tougher than its
ever been, it is possible. A degree does not entitle you to a job, but hard-
work might (Prentice, 2011).
Past employers knew that journalists with one of the trade
qualifications would have the basic competencies of the trade, while
those without qualifications would lose nothing but a little dignity by
trying to become journalists. And if they were good, they would make it.
The same still holds truebut the qualified and the hopeful have now
been joined by the journalism graduates, plenty of whom will have
passed through courses defined as suitable for the job by no one but
their directors. And a significant number of them have been conned by
their institutions (Hann, 2001).
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Sarah Lacy (2009), in her article Who the Hell is Enrolling in
Journalism School Right Now? at TechCrunch.com hastily undermined
journalism schools. Lacy is an award-winning author, 15-year reporter,
senior editor at TechCruch.com and the founder of the news site
PandoDaily who hadnt gone to a journalism school and became a
journalist through getting a job at a weekly business journal. She talks
about her personal journey and compares it with her friend who had
gone into a Journalism school but is no longer in the field, unlike her.
Foot-binding, as she described Journalism schools, she breaks
conventional journalism by having her own style.
International Journalist Network (Ijnet.org) posted a question, Is the
journalism degree becoming obsolete? Nine out of fourteen commenters
agreed that journalism is not an important degree. Comments have it
that a journalism degree was never a requirement and they rather take
other majors to specialize in a certain field, and then jump into
journalism.
Pros of a Journalism Degree
Amidst the pessimism brought by which certain people call
practicality, people, especially those who had gone from Journalism
schools would encourage a degree.
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According to Rachel Dheal, some of the biggest perks of journalism
school are the connections it offers. While learning invaluable skills
about what journalism is and how to craft and report stories, youll meet
professors who likely have strong ties in the media world. The other big
plus of journalism school is that, while its not required for entry level
jobs, many employers nonetheless like seeing it on a resume. Another
advantage of journalism school is that it gives you on-the-job experience
thats hard to get anywhere else.
Prentice is incorrect in saying that all journalism school grads would
say their degree was a waste. A journalism degree is in no way useless.
Kate Stemsteff, an environmental reporter, said that her degree allowed
her to get where she is. Julieanne Pepitone, staff reporter, stated that her
internships and experiences for class assignments let her train to be in
the real world. All of the other reporters agreed that nothing quite takes
the place of actually working in a newsroom. But they also all said the
skills you learn studying journalism gives you an edge (Zack, 2011).
It is not just about the advantage of learning and having the edge over
non-journalism graduates through alumni connections and internships
with big newspapers. The society has never had more urgent need of
reporters with advanced academic, professional and technical skills.
Serious journalism is the lifeblood of democracy. It keeps powerful
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institutions under pressure to be honest and informs popular choice on
crucial issues (Luckhurst, 2009).

RELATED STUDIES
The question on the importance of a college degree in journalism
lingers. In a book by a long-time journalist Peter Lawrence entitled, The
Complete Journalist, a guide for beginning journalists, he reiterated
what editors and executives want from aspiring journalists. He
mentioned that, according to statistics, a majority of all graduates want a
job in the media. Indeed, with a competition this big, it pays to ensure
that you stand out from the crowd.
Lawrence enumerated what editors look out for: a commitment to
career in journalism; self-confidence that stops way short of arrogance
and; an eagerness to learn and a keenness to help and get involved. It
is further stated that one of the things that augur well for commitment to
a journalistic career is the degree in journalism or media studies. But he
backpedalled, saying that a journalism degree does not impress an editor
as much as skill and dedication do. He added that editors tend to think
twice about the worth of a journalism degree because journalism
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students are likely to have been bombarded with more theories than
practice.
Lawrence furthered: But unless the degree includes a certificate to
say you have got your shorthand speed to (ideally) 100 words per minute,
a thorough grounding in media law and court reporting, a basic
understanding of local and central government and proof that you know
how to construct a news story, a degree in journalism or media studies is
unlikely to lead to a job.
Yet, a great deal of training happens within universities and
universities in United States (Irby, Bird, English, & Cuillier, 2007). That
was what has been stated in the book, Reporting That Matters: Public
Affairs Coverage. Also stated in the book is that journalism is the
profession that does not require training unlike medicine and law. To be
a journalist in United States simply requires an assertion to be one;
neither permit nor license is necessary (Koppel, 2000). Today, editors
often favor the generalistsjournalists who can take pictures and write
stories (Irby et al., 2007).
Meanwhile, a March 2008 undergraduate study by Ateneo de Naga
University journalism graduates Rossan Charmaine Agura, Diellyn Lirag,
and Ramir Vincent Mannog entitled, The Journalists Code of Ethics
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And The Banner Stories of Bicol Mail and Bikol Reporter In The Year
2006 And 2007, is one way or another also related to the research at
hand, specifically with regards to the methodology used by the said
researchers to analyze their study. They accordingly applied Philip
Mayrings method of focusing on qualitative content analysis; formally
called thus far as the Inductive Category Development Procedure.
Agura, Lirag, and Ramir tried to find out if Bicol Mail and Bikol
Reporter, newspapers of Camarines Sur, had broken certain code of
ethics from 2006 to 2007. After juxtaposing the banner stories from both
local newspapers with the Journalists Code of Ethics formulated by the
Philippine Press Institute and the National Press Club, it turned out that
Bicol Mail and Bikol Reporter accumulated 145 and 246 ethics
violations, respectively.
Likewise, the study, Blogs of War: Weblogs as News presented by
Melissa Wall in 2005 shares the same essence of methodology, although
not directly stated as the methodology devised by Mayring. Wall
explained that she used the theoretical sampling to interpret and
analyze her study qualitatively. This type of sampling, according to her,
is the process of gathering cases that epitomized a certain phenomenon
to assess topic of the research (Altheide, 1996). She furthered that there
is no exact number of cases to take up; in this kind of sampling, Wall
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stopped interpreting cases the moment she deemed the gathered cases
have already been enough. This sampling uses ethnographic fieldwork so
that a phenomenon is understood rather than observed objectively
(Altheide, 1996).
Using this method, Waller interpreted the rise of warblogs during the
US-Iraq war in spring of 2003. She concluded that blogs in general,
following the accession of the digital world, are a new genre of journalism
with their own elements which are in contrast with those of the
traditional news stories.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
The media is the industry of mass communication. It, as the industry,
can be anything from print, broadcast, or online. These media forms are
also the institutions that vet out aspiring journalists and send them
harrowing into the field of journalism to cover events and issues. College
students taking up four-year courses on journalism and other courses
related to media in respectable schools go directly to these institutions,
hoping to land a job on any of these media institutions. In light of this
researchs topic, it would be crucial to separate the two types of aspiring
journalists: these applicants would eventually be the journalism students
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as well as the non-journalism students, including those who have not
even finished their degrees, competing for the job; hence, the simplistic
conceptual framework which would later be presented.
As noted above in Chapter 1, this research would largely be
theoretical and descriptive in nature as it seeks to understand and
analyze the present situation happening in certain media institutions
that is, the rising number of non-journalism graduates working as media
practitioners. In a nutshell, it sees to it that the qualitative element of the
problem be understood more than it tries to measure the quantity of the
issue at hand. It is for this very reason that the researchers chose to
analyze the issue through the lenses of the media practitioners
themselves.
Among the seven traditions in the field of communication devised by
University of Colorado communication professor Robert Craig, the
Phenomenological Tradition strikes right at the heart of this research.
According to him, knowledge and information can be best drawn from
the people who have and are currently immersing themselves in the field.
Furthermore, it is the analysis of ideas from the vantage point of the
people experiencing such problems and thus banks more on the
experiences of each person (Griffin, 2008). In the book A First Look at
Communication Theory by Em Griffin, he said that for the
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phenomenologist, an individuals story is more important, and more
authoritative, than any research hypothesis or communication axiom.
In this case, analysis on the importance of a journalism course in
actual journalism depends on the media practitioners, within the ranks
of the executive boards or news executives as they are popularly called,
in local newspapers here in Camarines Sur. Likewise, south Luzon
Correspondents working in national newspapers deemed worthy to
elaborate on the topic will be interviewed. More importantly, this theory
also suggests that the likelihood of being accepted into the world of
journalism lies mercifully on the aptitude of the journalists in the
making. The journalistic skill in this context is at one time or another
associated to the years of first-hand experience of journalists in the field
such as writing for certain community publications in their younger
years.
The theory of Cultural Approach to Organizations by Clifford Geertz
and Michael Pacanowsky is also considerably related to the research.
This theory aims to understand various organizations by the reading a
wide array of cultural factors that define them. Media institutions, being
organizations in their own right, have a set of culture stencilled to their
systems as well. What is more, this theory also analyzes a certain
organization through every aspect of the organization.
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CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

HYPOTHESIS ASSUMPTION
1. This study assumes that there is a significant difference between
journalism aspirants who hold a college degree in journalism and
those who do not have as they go about their journalistic endeavors.
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2. Journalism graduates have an edge over non-journalism graduates
in terms of education, ethics, and technicalities.
3. This study presupposes that there is importance in pursuing a
college degree in journalism amidst the emerging number of non-
journalism graduates working in the media.

DEFINITION OF TERMS
College Degree a four to five year course taken up in an institution
offering such higher education which leads to a professional career in a
specific field of endeavor
Journalism as a course, it is the field of study in which aspirants are
trained to be professional journalists; as a profession, it is the actual
practice of reportage of current events and issues that shape the truths
in a society
Non-journalism Graduates Graduates of courses which are not related
to journalism, high school graduates or non-graduates
Media the industry of information dissemination which publishes
stories that shape public opinion
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Journalism Aspirants - High school students, journalism undergrads,
journalism degree holders, non-degree holders and non-journalism
graduates who want to work in the field of journalism
Journalist a person who gathers first-hand information and writes
about them for a publication such as newspapers and magazines at a
regular interval
Executive Board Group of individuals within the newspaper company
composed of editor-in-chief, associate editor and the managing editor
that has the authority to employ applicants as their staff
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CHAPTER 3
Methodology
RESEARCH DESIGN
This research is qualitative. A qualitative approach to a research
means an assessment of the phenomenon by way of direct and personal
interaction with an individual or individuals. As a result, a qualitative
approach covers only a smaller number of respondents if compared to a
quantitative approach, but it would amass greater, narrower, and even
more in-depth information just the same as to why a certain
phenomenon happens to a particular group of individuals (Hancock,
1998). Collection of necessary information in a qualitative research is
therefore protracted or time-consuming since interviews, focus groups,
and observation are difficult to use as means to gather insights.
The design of this research is the Grounded Theory by Glacer and
Strauss (1967) wherein researchers use a phenomenon to create new
theories or knowledge about it. Researchers take a phenomenon which is
relatively known but with little or no study delineating its depth, then
they build up theories and new knowledge upon the collection of
information after trying to understand that certain phenomenon. In a
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nutshell, the theory would be based or grounded on the data or
information gathered; hence, the name.
According to Hancock, one example of the theory is the very familiar
grief process. He said: This is not a new phenomenon, people have going
through these stages for as long as society has existed, but the research
formally acknowledged and described the experience. Now we use our
knowledge of the grief process, new knowledge derived from grounded
theory, to understand the experience of bereavement and to help the
bereaved to come to terms with their loss. We recognise when a person is
having difficulty coming to terms with loss because we use the knowledge
to recognise signs of abnormal grief and can offer help.
New theories start to unfurl as data collection through interviews or
observation build up. As the researchers delve deeper into the
phenomenon, they begin to gather raw information to be used in mixing
up the theories necessary for the understanding of the said phenomenon.
The researchers also begin to connect the dots, test the hypotheses, and
interpret the relationship between variables, which then lead to the
creation of new theories.

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RESEARCH METHOD
Following the descriptive and theoretical nature of this research,
gathering of necessary and key information will be done solely with the
help of first-hand interviews with media executives of chosen local
newspapers. The researchers believe that in order to understand,
evaluate, and assess the problematic scenario, they will have to look into
the experiences of the said media highflyers themselves, as mentioned
earlier in the theoretical framework.
Interviewing is one of the three types of information gathering under a
qualitative research design. There are three types of interviews: highly
structured, semi structured, and unstructured (Hancock, 2002). A
highly structured interview is characterized by posting very objective
questions, almost akin to a questionnaire, in such a way that the
responses can be very restricted; these same questions will be given to
each interviewee as well. A semi structured interview, on the one hand, is
asking a set of open-ended questions rather than objective ones, is open
to unexpected responses, and the interviewers are free to follow a new
line of topic whenever necessary. Quite similarly, unstructured
interviews involves very little or no structure at all. The interviewers will
only prepare a broad question or two; the following ones will be highly
dependent on how the interviewee will answer the said questions.
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This research will take up a semi structured kind of interview. After
all, a qualitative research should either be semi structured or
unstructured because an interview that is too tight and restricted will
prove detrimental to further exploration of the phenomena being
investigated (Hancock, 2002). Moreover, a semi structured interview will
be most effective if the researchers or interviewers have already identified
the major points they need to raise.
Guided by the Phenomenological Tradition, there is nothing more
enlightening than the impression and experiences of media practitioners.
A semi structured interview will give the researchers enough leeway to
ask further questions outside the boundaries of a largely objective
questionnaire that will shed light on the aforementioned journalistic
setting. Apart from that, interviews also cover answers in areas that no
questionnaire can ever reach, develop interviewer-interviewee
relationship and that the researchers can be flexible with the
interviewees as far as questions are concerned, further inciting even
more in-depth response to the questions. By taking into consideration
each personal account of these media executives, the researchers can
fully provide a full-blown assessment of the current problem and thus a
multi-sectored solution to such problem.
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Indeed, these interviews will be more on measuring the problem
qualitatively rather than quantitatively. Furthermore, these interviews,
albeit they will follow a specific scientific process, will largely be
conversing rather informally and not with a final set of objective
questions; follow-up questions not included within the final set of
questions will be asked if deemed necessary by the researchers.
AREA/RESPONDENT PROFILE
This research will be gathering data from journalists working in the
field, who is the perfect claimant to talk in the field of this study.
Specifically, this researchs respondents will be people in the executive
board to answer the queries posted in this study.
As mentioned in Chapter 1, this research will focus on newspapers
here in Naga City. Geographically, Naga City has a total land area of
8,448 hectares and is located within the province of Camarines Sur. To
the north are Canaman and Magarao which border the city. It is likewise
bordered by Mt. Isarog and Pili on the East, Camaligan on the west and
Milaor down south.
There are three types of media thriving in Naga City: Television,
Radio, and Print. For Television stations: Bicol Broadcasting System,
DZGB-TV PBN Broadcasting Network (TV5), GMA Network, Inc., National
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Broadcasting Network, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation, Associated
Broadcasting Company (TV5), Studio 23 (ABS-CBN), DWNQ-TV
(Sonshine Media Network International, GMA News TV, Radio Mindanao
Network, and Global News Network.
For FM Radio Stations: DZTR 89.5 Ateneo de Naga University Radio:
The Beat 895 (Manila Broadcasting Company), DWMY 90.3 Star FM,
DWNX 91.1 DWNX (Radio Mindanao Network Inc.), DWAC 93.5 MOR
For Life! (ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation), DWQJ 95.1 Home Radio
(Aliw Broadcasting Corporation), DZRB 95.9 WAV FM (Southern
Broadcasting Network), DWOK 97.5 OK FM (PBN Broadcasting Network),
DWRV 98.3 The Mother's Touch (Radio Cartias Network), DWYN 99.1
Love Radio (Manila Broadcasting Company), DWEB 99.9 WEB (Filipinas
Broadcasting Network), DWQW 101.5 Campus Radio (GMA Network
Inc.), DWOS 103.1 Magic FM (Century Broadcasting Network), DWQN
104.7 Power Radio (Caceres Broadcasting Corporation), and DWBQ
106.3 Energy FM (Ultrasonic Broadcasting System, Inc.).
For AM Radio Stations: DWRB 567 Radyo ng Bayan (Philippine
Broadcasting Service), DWLV 603 Bicol Broadcasting System, DWRN
657 Radyo Pilipino (Radio Pilipino Corporation), DZLW 711 Peafrancia
Broadcasting Corporation, DZGE 855 Radyo Numero Uno(Filipinas
Broadcasting Network), DWAR 891 Radyo Oragon (Caceres Broadcasting
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Corporation), DZRH 981 Manila Broadcasting Company (Naga), and
DZNG 1044 Bombo Radyo Philippines.
For Internet Radio stations: Zone FM Naga (KZ Multimedia Services,
Inc.), Cool 96.7 (Cool Radio Network Philippines), and Power Tambayan
92.3 FM Naga City (Independent Radio).
For newspaper: Bicol Mail, Kaiba News and Features, Bikol Reporter,
Vox Bikol, and Bicol Herald.
Although there are five newspapers operating in Naga City, this
research will however only take two newspapers into study. These
include, Bicol Mail and Bikol Reporter.
Both Bikol Reporter and Bicol Mail have regular circulation. Bicol
Mail is a weekly publication that distributes 2500 copies of an issue to
four provinces and six cities in the Bicol Region. It also has its website
(www.bicolmail.com) which helps in the promotion of the newspaper as
well as publishing articles online.
Also, journalism practitioners, including those who are graduates and
non-graduates of journalism will be asked for further sharing so as to
give this research an actual view of the comparison between the
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journalism graduates and non-journalism graduates who were once
aspirants and now in the practice of the craft.
METHOD FOR DATA GATHERING
The semi-structured interview method will be the means to gather the
needed information to answer the questions posted by this research. The
researchers have decided upon this method for data gathering since the
needed information to comply with the query raised requires a direct
interaction with the respondents of this research.
The researchers hope to achieve a smooth and at the same time, a fair
flow of the interview. With this, recording the interview via voice recorder
and minimizing on the spot note-taking will be applied as a part of the
method. By this approach, the interviewer will be able to concentrate on
listening and responding to the interviewee, thus, obtaining a smooth
flow in the exchange of questions and answers between the two. Note-
taking increases the risk of bias between both the parties because the
interviewer will most likely make notes upon answers with immediate
sense, at the same time, interviewees may feel inhibited upon this, they
may wonder what part of what they said drawn particular interest
(Hancock, 1998).

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METHOD FOR DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
After all the interviews are done and recorded, the researchers opt to
transcribe the data into written form than just merely listening to the
recorded interview. In transcribing the data, the researchers will take
into consideration keen details such as the tone and the level of certainty
of the interviewees as they go on from a question to another until the
interview progresses and ends.
To analyze transcribed data, the researchers will be mainly using
content analysis. This tool analyzes the manifestation, significance and
relationships of words in the interviewees answers. With the aid of such,
the researchers will be able to explore not just the superficial answers,
but also in-depth structures within the answers of the respondents. With
the use of summative content analysis, data will be studied with regards
to the frequency an information is mentioned and the comparisons
among the contents in each interview.
Quasi-statistics looks at how many times a data has been mentioned.
In this research, the researchers will determine the standard skills and
qualifications needed to become a journalist through the enumerations
that may be mentioned by the interviewees.
Page 33 of 41

Hermeneutical analysis will also be used to answer the first and last
questions posted in the statement of the problem: the considerations to
be a journalist and the edge of journalism graduates over non-journalism
graduates as they go over their journalistic endeavors. This kind of
analysis, wherein the objectivity of words is set aside for a while to give
way to a deeper analysis of where the respondent is coming from because
they are actually telling their own stories, which gives a subjective view of
things, will be used because the respondents narrative may vary at
different degrees since they are, at some point, assessing themselves.
Thus, constructivism, the theory in which this research lies, is well
defined at this point. Furthermore, this analysis considers the biases
that may be fed by the respondents since they may talk not just in behalf
of the general picture, but also in behalf of themselves, who by nature is
the core subject of the study.
Page 34 of 41

CHAPTER 4: NARRATIVES

Narrative: [] Niola, Non-journo grad

Niola finds journalism schools as important because classes in journalism teach students the
discipline and ethics necessary in working in the field. For him, there are certain parameters in
journalism which journalists will have to work within and that which they cannot cross over. This
is where journalism schools can gain the upperhand because only in schools are students truly
formed and molded by the ethics taught to them. But for him, not everything is taught in
schools nonetheless. While ethics and discipline are necessary in journalism, how you
psychologise with what your readers and audience want to know proves to be equally
important. More than that, he also hints on the importance of practice and experience, which
he calls street journalism, pertaining to the fieldwork done by practicing journalists on the
streets. He recalls his college years when he joined the university newspaper of Naga College,
The Naga Collegian, as an editor and DWRN, a radio station, as a field reporter to help him with
the finances in college. According to him, he does not regret taking a different course in college
as these experiences, and the seminars he has been attending at the moment as a member of
Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism and Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility,
have earned him enough knowledge in news reporting to jumpstart his career in journalism. He
says he may not have the basic skills taught in journalism schools, but he sure does know where
to tickle the fancy of his readers and audience.

Narrative: Jose Perez, Executive Board

As an Editor in Chief of a thriving local newspaper, Bicol Mail, Perez sees the importance of
formal education in journalism. Perez said that a journalism degree is important because it is
only then that you can call yourself a professional journalist because you have a diploma to
show it. Furthermore, if an applicant is a journalism graduate, the executive board of any
newspaper company can be sure that the applicant truly has knowledge of the nuts and bolts of
journalism because they have been molded in school for many years. But he says that among
the applicants and journalists he had encountered, most of them acquired more knowledge in
journalism from outside the school, on the streets, rather than inside the school. He also shares
that what he does is to look at the product or the articles of the applicant first before he looks at
the educational background. If the product is good, he says that the executive board can send
the applicant to the field regardless of the educational background. In human enterprises such
as newspapers, he says that skill is over and above other things; skills can offset an applicants
lack in credentials. He cites veteran journalist and columnist Conrado de Quiros who did not
even finish college in Ateneo de Manila University.

For him, a journalist is one who dedicates himself to putting into records the stories of today
and make comments about it. . . a journalist is a keeper of history taking place in the present
tense. He says that a journalist should have the necessary technical skills in writing a story and
the character to go with it. Character helps a journalist build himself a credible reputation.

Page 35 of 41

Narrative: Mr. Eduardo Yu, Bikol Reporter EIC

For Bikol Reporters Editor-in-Chief, a journalist is someone who has been writing news for quite
a reasonable period of time, so as his writing can be considered as his living. Consistency in
published articles and by-lines is also a basis for regarding ones self as a journalist. Yu has been
in his post for more or less five years. Being the EIC of a paper composed of contributory
columns and news, he chooses articles to be published with regards to the papers quality and
the writers articulateness and the choice of topic where a good percentage of readerships rely.

In the local scenario, he points out the lack of journalism graduates in the field of media. With
this, he says that people need not to be a graduate of journalism to write. Even holding a
diploma does not guarantee a smooth land to a job as a journalist. He says, though, that
journalism schools are essential for they give avenues to train aspiring journalists academically
through theories and field works. While non-degree holders of journalism may be misled of the
ideals and may lack a comprehensive grasp of how it is becoming a journalist, until he/she
becomes one; a degree-holder in journalism would have advantages because of the years in
training as he/she is in the course.

Mr. Yu reminds the role of the press as the fourth estate and as one of the influences of public
opinion. With this, he gives weight on the importance of a journalism degree and encourages
journalism graduates to work in the field, specifically in the local scene. He says that the lack
journalism graduates practicing the career, in the local scene, is one reason why non-journalism
graduates are thriving in the field.

Narrative: Ms. Bernice Paita

By choice and guarded by some limitations, Ms. Bernice Paita, a 2010 AB Journalism graduate, is
now working in the field, but more in the course of advertising. She says that she did not regret
taking up journalism because she wanted it so, only that she is more interested in production.
Journalism, according to her, is very specific. She advises that if a person has his/her heart set to
being a journalist, it is advisable to get a degree in journalism. If not, a course which is broader,
such as Communication or Development Communication, should be taken in consideration.

A degree in journalism is advantageous in a way that it served as a training ground for aspirants.
While in the course, several traits such as working under pressure and being flexible are
developed, characteristics that sure are helpful in the job.

General Perspective
Eagerness and qualification lands a person a job; his/her dedication makes him build a career
he/she can be proud of; further education leads him/her to a profession; and calling to be of
Page 36 of 41

service to people guides him to a vocation. A journalist can classify where his line lies in these
categories according to the path he took.
As the researchers went through the study, interviews with journalists disclose the real
happenings in the field: from admission into the job, to the quality of the paper a writer should
submit or an editor would go for, until the gist of the study which cores upon the importance of
a degree in journalism. With different perspectives, coming from the executive board to both
journalism graduates and non-journalism graduates who are all working in the field, this study
had an equal grasp on proving or falsifying the assumption.
Journalism does not require anything other than the skills of being a journalist. With such skills
present and a trace of attendance to several symposiums and talks on journalism, one, with
luck, can be a journalist. A degree does, in a way, backbone an aspirant to land a job and
practice in the field. But anyone can be hired, as long he/she is qualified.
All of the journalists we had interviewed upon stressed the importance of pursuing a degree. As
it was said by Mr. Jose Perez of Bicol Mail, Not everybody is Conrado de Quiroz (who has not
finished the course, yet is one of the most looked up columnists in the country). A journalism
degree is seen not as a requirement but a bonus.
With information at hand, the researchers can say that the problem is not actually a problem.
Taking up journalism is a choice. An aspirant need not to trouble himself/herself with the
dilemma of deciding upon whether a journalism degree is helpful or not, because indeed, it is.
Jumping right through a pool of aspirants, degree-holders would definitely be notable. But then
again, this does not articulate that they have better skills when compared to non-journalists.
Skills are looked upon with highest regard among other classifications. Skills which are learnt in
the actual field work are what counts as an aspirant immerses into his/her endeavour.
Reform with the academes standards on producing quality journalists who can be lined upon
professionals should be taken seriously. With quality-journalism graduates willing to work in the
field, specially in the local scene, there can be favourable events that should lead to the
betterment of the kind of media we have today.
Personal Reflection

From what we have gathered during the series of interviews we have conducted in the course of
our research, there is only one thing clear about it: that journalism schools should learn to adapt
to its surrounding, which are the newsrooms to be specific. Most of the respondents shared that
journalism schoolswhile being hampered by the fact that non-journalism graduates can
compete with the journalism graduates they churn outare still important and therefore should
stay.

Page 37 of 41

But what struck me the most was what one of the Editors in Chief of a newspaper said on the
importance of journalism schools. He said that the product of an applicant outweighs his
educational background and credentials and that in human enterprises, skill is most important.
While he thinks journalism schools are important, he definitely does not care about the degree
you bring to the editors table. Perhaps, journalism schools can make editors care about the
degree their applicants bring to the table.

Journalism schools have been cited by their success in teaching their students the ethics and
proper attitude toward journalism as well as the parameters in journalism. But most of the
respondents often backpedal, saying that not everything is taught in journalism schools and that
most of the journalists today more often than not learned their craft on the streetsa term
journalists use to refer to the actual fieldwork done in mainstream media, or more basically,
anything beyond the four walls of the classroom.

Therefore, the best thing journalism schools should do is to teach everything in schools as a way
to counteract the notion that journalism students are more bombarded by ethics and theories
rather than actual experience. Perhaps, journalism schools can bend their curriculums into
something that can be more usable in the field. For example, give more emphasis on the writing
styles and photojournalism.
Page 38 of 41

Reflection

Upon having brainstormed for a research topic which concerns thought-provoking dilemmas
which may be encountered by people who rigorously aspire to be in the same track, I was
positive about the outcome of this research. I knew that this would not just answer queries
stated in its statement, but would bring forth individual sensibilities on the importance of what
we seem, as students, to throw our lives into.

Why study journalism if we see people working in our dream field who are non-graduates of
the degree anyway?
This question was what drove our research. Throughout the course, we looked for the
importance of a journalism degree. This search led us to several stories and opinions of media
practitioners whom we had interviewed.

Throughout our interviews, none ever told us that the course is useless. In fact, they seem to
support our path. Such is not to please us nor be biased upon our research, but to give strength
to the idea of journalism as a job, a career and a profession.

We chose to immerse ourselves to learn the perks in the field. As what the fourth law of
economics says, People respond to incentives. With our diplomas as a bonus as we package
ourselves and offer what we can render to the domains of our career, lets make the best out of
it. We are like special offers in a stall, along with other promising aspirants, only that we have
these special boxes wrapped to attract a perspective buyer. There, still lies an equal prize for
such items, bargains only exclusive.

A diploma is a proof of hard work and dedication. It entitles an aspirant of an advantage, among
others who doesnt have, but does not assure better skills which is the most essential
equipment in the job. Skills are learned even outside the four walls of a journalism school.
Sometimes, street journalism better teaches an aspirant of the practical to dos in the field.
Nevertheless, formal education gives a guiding principle toward the ideal scenario. These
principles are learned, nurtured, applied and acquired. Such principles fuel passion. Passion, in
any means, comes from the heart and vibrates through the spirit. This passion is actually shared
by both degree holders and non-degree holders of journalism for they choose to be in a field
where such job is a calling.

Page 39 of 41

BIBLIOGRAPHY
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ever/
Carter, M. (2008, August 2). How to get a job as a journalist?. Retrieved August 8, 2012, from
http://suite101.com/article/how-to-get-a-job-as-a-journalist-a62797
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Zack, E. (2011, June 24). Standing up for the Journalism Degree: It is not Useless. Retrieved
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Page 41 of 41

Interview Questions:
1. How do you consider a person as a journalist?

Executive Board:

1. How is the process of employment in the newspaper industry?
2. Who do you employ? Who do you prefer to employ?
3. What are the qualifications for employment?
4. Through your observations, how are journalism graduates different from non-
journalism graduates as they work in the field? Or is there a difference at all?
Journalism Graduates:
1. What do you think was/is your edge over non-journalism graduates as you look for
jobs? Immerse in the career? Work in the field?
Non-journalism Graduates:
1. Do you think there is any significant difference between a journalism graduate and a
non-journalism graduate as they both go about journalistic endeavors?

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Gonzales, Taduran Importance of College Degree in Journalism

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