VETERAN journalists stressed that literary journalism is not a form of “sensationalism” or inciting public interest at the expense of truth.
“[Literary journalism] digs even deeper by exposing the reality of the moment using context and picturesque. [It just brings] its readers to where and how it all happened,” Joel Salud said during a roundtable discussion at the Benavides Auditorium on Tuesday.
Salud, editor in chief of Philippines Graphic, explained that using literary or creative writing techniques makes journalistic articles compelling to readers.
“Journalists are guardians of national memory. [I]n the time of tyranny, in the age of fake news, it’s not enough for journalists to inform their reader. The mere mention of facts does not change the situation,” he said.
Howie Severino, vice president for professional development of GMA Network, highlighted the importance of using creative writing styles “to entice readers and viewers.”
“[Reports] have to be interesting…[b]ecause there are so many options now. There are many entertaining shows, distractions, things to do with your time aside from watching documentaries. The big challenge is to make people want to watch, something that they really need to watch,” he said.
Severino pointed out that literary reportage also makes readers “reflect and ask themselves” on the situation of the country.
The forum, titled “News Mio!: Literary journalism in the age of fake news,” was organized by the UST Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies.
