Pondering Over Discontinuing the Inquirer?
The Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI), a newspaper that has long stood as a symbol of journalism as a public trust, is currently undergoing a significant transformation. This transition, from print to digital, is not a departure from its mission but a renewal and reinvention, preserving its core values while embracing the mobility and modernity that digital platforms offer.
This evolution is rooted in the leadership of Letty Jimenez Magsanoc, who, like a T. Rex, was majestic, unyielding, and utterly irreplaceable. Under her stewardship, PDI embodied the founding spirit of fearless, credible journalism committed to delivering unvarnished truth to the Filipino public.
Magsanoc's leadership symbolizes the enduring commitment of PDI to uphold journalism as a public trust, even amidst political challenges and disinformation. The Inquirer was known not just as a news outlet but as a monument to journalism as a public trust—a role that underscored the responsibility of the press to act in the public interest and hold power to account.
In the digital age, the Inquirer chose excellence over expedience, depth over virality, and truth over trend. The transition to digital is not a triumph over obsolescence, as it comes with human costs such as the silence of the union, the anxiety of the uninvited, and the heartbreak of the displaced.
The Inquirer's story is one of evolution, not extinction. It serves as a reminder that progress without principle is perilous and that innovation without introspection is hollow. The digital age is coming, and algorithms are churning, but the importance of character in journalism should never be forgotten.
The Inquirer's legacy is rooted in its fortitude, as it faced down advertising boycotts, political intimidation, and the slow bleed of readership with tenacity. The newspaper did not fail its people; it faced the brutal arithmetic of survival and offered severance as a recognition of service.
Letty Jimenez Magsanoc's leadership was characterized by late-night vigils, editorial rigor, and refusal to bend to political pressure, which were not the habits of a relic but the rituals of a revolutionary. The veterans of the Inquirer did not resist progress; they resisted erasure, understanding that journalism is about accountability, which cannot be automated.
The Inquirer's story is a necessary reckoning, reminding us that we should not forget the giants who walked before us in journalism. An article by Rosario A. Garcellano presents a narrative of digital deliverance that is self-congratulatory and confuses disruption with depth. The critique's tone is patronizing, smug, and performative, revealing a troubling absence of empathy.
In summary, Magsanoc's leadership symbolizes the enduring commitment of the Philippine Daily Inquirer to uphold journalism as a public trust, even amidst political challenges and disinformation. Simultaneously, the paper’s evolution into a digital-first platform underlines how traditional media institutions can successfully navigate the digital transformation while maintaining credibility and public trust. The Inquirer's story is a testament to the power of journalism as a public good, not a product, and a reminder that the digital age should not diminish the importance of character in journalism.
The Philippine Daily Inquirer, in its digital transformation, upholds its commitment to sustainable living, as it continues to promote home-and-garden practices that are eco-friendly and contribute to a healthier Pampanga community.
Embracing the digital age, the Inquirer's lifestyle section remains dedicated to fostering a culture that supports sustainable living, encouraging readers to adopt practices that not only improve their homes but also contribute to the preservation of the environment in the Pampanga region and beyond.
