MEDIA AND

POLITICS
POLITICS, GOVERNANCE, AND CITIZENSHIP
LECTURE
 MEDIA

• Media are platforms through which communication are

passed from one person to another, or from one place to
another.
• It stimulates citizen engagement in politics.
• The history of mass media emanated from man struggle for
liberty and freedom.
 4 TYPES OF MEDIA

1. Traditional Media is an approach based on the use of traditional devices, such as

talking drums, flutes, town criers, etc. to deliver information and communicate
among the people of a particular locality.
2. Print Media are approach of dissemination of information and communication
through hard-wares like; newspaper, hand-bills, beam-board, pamphlet, books,
magazines, journals, newsletters, novel, etc.
3. Electronic Media are methods of disseminating information and communication
through electronic devices, such as television, radio, computers, microphone,
megaphone, etc. from one person to another person, or from one place to another place.

4. Social Media is the newest approach in dissemination of information and

communication through electronic social platform that make use of search engine.
 MEDIA AND POLITICS

• The boom in media services has allowed various organizations from all over the
political sphere to effectively reach their target audiences.
• Personal communication through media brings politicians and parties closer to their
potential voters.
 CHALLENGES

• Lacks the principles of objective, fairness and impartial report.

• Provide relatively biased coverage or at worse act like virtual propaganda machines
for a particular political party.
 PERSPECTIVES ON PHILIPPINE POLITICS

• The Philippines remains one of the most liberal political regimes in Asia. Since its
independence in 1946, the country has adhered to a western style democracy, holding
regular elections and allowing its coverage in the media.
• 1972: Martial law was imposed in response to a growing communist insurgency and a
rising Muslim militancy in Mindanao.
• 1986: Corazon Aquino’s victory was never confirmed electorally but massive public
support and the loss of military leadership threw her to the presidency.
 POLITICAL PARTIES

• Following the American pattern, the Philippines had two major parties – Liberals and
Nationalists.
• Elite Politicians switch from one party to another as it suits them.
• Political parties do not consist of grassroots members who adhere to an ideological
position but rather to a list of potential clients willing to support their patrons.
• An innovation (1987) was the introduction of the so-called party list system.
• The party list system holds the potential of reshaping the political landscape.
• But even this process has been infiltrated by powerful politicians (ex: Juan Miguel
Arroyo)
 POLITICS OF PATRONAGE

• Expanding economy & growth of Mass Media have ensured that political leadership is
presently broader. (ex: military, wealthy businessmen, media celebrities)
• Main strategy: offer patronage to as many people as possible and to maintain a
favorable media image. Control of the media, patronage or celebrification is the main
avenue for political success.
 POLITICAL MAVERICKS

• Corazon Aquino vs. The Marcoses

• 1983: Assassination of Benigno (Ninoy) Aquino on his return from America.
• Marcos had the media well under his control and the event was barely mentioned in
the main press. However, the alternative media and other grassroots organizations
called for a massive display of grief.
• The assassination also attracted international interest and ensured that Marcos had to
be seen to respond appropriately (ex: a commission was appointed to investigate the
matter)
• 1986: EDSA
• People Power was launched and the images of non-violent crowds demanding justice
and reform were being watched around the world.
• The image of Filipinos massing in EDSA constituted the first ‘electronic revolution’
(Brisbin, 1988) viewed in real time by a global audience.
• 2001: EDSA 2
• Religion played a central role in EDSA, not just as a mobilizing process but as a
central symbolic component.
 THE POWER OF MEDIA

• What both EDSA and EDSA 2 shared were the centrality of media.
• EDSA 1: The turning points in EDSA were all media inspired, from the live broadcast
of the battle over a major television station, to the abrupt cut-off of Marcos’
presidential speech.
• EDSA 2: The impeachment trial of President Estrada was widely followed in all
media, especially on television. The crowds that gathered when the trial was aborted
used texting as a mode of soliciting protestors.
 CELEBRIFICATION: SIMULACRA &
REALPOLITIK
• Jean Baudrillard: “simulacra”, seeks to examine the relationships between reality,
symbols, and society, in particular the significations and symbolism
of culture and media involved in constructing an understanding of shared existence.
• Contemporary media including television, film, print, and the Internet are responsible
for blurring the line between products that are needed (in order to live a life) and
products for which a need is created by commercial images.
• Realpolitik - politics primarily based on power and on practical or material matters
and considerations, rather than explicit or explicit notions, moral or ethical principles.
• Philippine politics includes a world of simulacra, where the media provide the stage
for successful self presentation. While realpolitik is a major basis for power, a dash of
fantasy and simulacra are a major help in attracting votes.
• The ideal combination involves a good political pedigree, material resources and
media connections. All the current senators enjoy at least two of these requirements
and most hold all three.
 REALPOLITIK VS. LOCAL MEDIA

• The reference to the dangers confronting Filipino journalists is a major issue (ex:
threats and killings of Journalists).
• Despite changes in the national culture, many local politicians still act like predatory
warlords. Local media is often under their authoritarian control (ex: tv, radio,
newspapers)
 ELECTIONS AS EXPRESSION OF PEOPLE’S
SOVEREIGN WILL
• The common expression to describe electoral strategy: guns, goons and gold. (add
celebrity as the fourth ingredient).
• Elections often serve as a legitimizing strategy to wield power, there are also cases
where they represent the peoples’ sovereign will
 EXAMPLES

• Joseph Estrada has a particularly strong image as a protector of the oppressed. His
personal lifestyle (wine, women & mateship) is the fantasy of many Filipinos. He has
successfully merged his screen persona into his political one (“simulacra”)
• Noynoy Aquino had a generally unspectacular political life as congressman and
senator except for not being associated in any major corruption scandal and the
“family tradition” of rescuing the country from corruption.
• Rodrigo Duterte – “strong man”, resemblance with Marcos’ leadership style.
 POLITICAL CHANGE & THE NEW MEDIA

• The removal of President Estrada in 2001, described as a coup d’text marked the
coming of age of the new media.
• It marked the political significance of mobile phones, the only communications media
not under the immediate control of elite interests.
• Other mechanisms are used in the mainstream media that effectively limit access to
controversial views (ex: art show was cancelled because Catholics objected to the
portrayal of Christ)
 THE POLITICS OF BLOGGING

• Filipino bloggers easily switch from private matters to public issues.

• The old media and politicians now regularly note the opinions expressed in social
networking sites.
• Political blogs (ex: blogs. gmanews.tv/lisandro-claudio/) increasingly influence both
public opinion as well as the political elite.
• The importance of blogs lies not so much in their circulation but on the nature of their
readership.
• “Influencers”
• Mark Averilla (Macoy Dubs) - rose to internet fame owing to the wit and socially
progressive views expressed through the persona “Aunt Julie.” | 52-page petition
against Anti-terror Law
• Nina Dizon (CEO of Cosmetics brand)