Student Journalists' Involvement in Public Affairs through School Publications in Batangas City

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Schools and universities, acting as instruments to establish youth participation in social issues, have been treating school publications as an organization to inform the students about what has been going on with the university and report on facts involving societal issues. There were some researches done related to journalism; however, most of them focused on the fearlessness of journalists in the consequences of politics. This study centralized and fixated the issue to the involvement of the students regarding public subjects and interests. This employed data concerning the participation of student journalists in civic issues and its implications by means of writing articles that are relevant and significant to the campus and society.

METHODS

The descriptive research design was used in acquiring the information. The survey questionnaire was used as the main data gathering instrument. The participants of this study were a total of 116 student journalists from the schools and universities inside the borders of Batangas City. The weighted mean, composite mean, and Pearson's r were used in the analysis and interpretation of data.

RESULTS

Most of the respondents are involved in delivering news especially when issues are about youth awareness regarding societal problems; in giving comments and opinions with regard to news concerning people's awareness on the administration of the current president of the country, and in featuring people, places, and events. This involvement comprises the chance to inform many people by delivering news about the rampant issues of social media, a chance to weigh their arguments and logical reasoning in presenting their opinion, and a chance to write an article tackling light but important entertainment for the Filipinos. Moreover, no significant relationship is found between the level of involvement of student journalists in public affairs and the extent of disseminating information and presenting subjective opinions.

DISCUSSIONS

The results showed that there is still a need to enhance the involvement of student journalists in public affairs to successfully fulfill their duties. Symposium, seminars, social media account for the publication and teambuilding activities that will emphasize the role of student journalists in participating in public matters and concerns are suggested to be done. Moreover, the Department of Education through the school's press conferences may consider the results of this study for the benefit of the student journalists.