Philippines In Focus

Media’s Discursive Influence (The War on Drugs)

By Mark Raygan E. Garcia MPPG Student, The Education University of Hong Kong

Governing Arguments Media’s discursive influence rides strongest on conflict and scandal news elements; its catalytic impact is dependent on the extent to which key actors continue to trust it

Media’s discursive influence on “selective social reality” appeals more to those in the upper segments of society; rooted more in its being a “Fourth Estate” but capitalizes on familiar representations of authority and collective pursuit of social justice

High public regard for government — sustained by consistent core messages that humanize governance and demystify leadership —buffers off potential reputational risks from media’s discursive influence

Perception vs Reality• “Perception is reality”

• “Identity” and “image” interchangeably used — but different (“identity” — what you know about yourself; “image” — what others think about you)

• Challenge: bridging the gap: aligning “image” with “identity”

• Role of media — facilitative, directive; yet potentially selective (“slant”)

News Elements • Proximity

• Prominence

• Timeliness

• Oddity

• Consequence

• Human Interest

• Conflict

• Scandal What sells?

Double-Edged Reality

Think Philippines… Which images come to mind?

The War on Drugs

Parallelism: Directing Discourse

+ =

Crime Scene Revered Scene in Catholic Religion:Mary carrying Jesus after crucification

?

Shifting Discourse

Murder

Issue projected: Human rights violation

Rape

Abandonment

• Increases consciousness; heightens vigilance

• Inspires reforms • Bolsters citizenship

(legitimacy / authority) • Builds up international

presence

• Shifts debate from “guilt” to “innocence”

• Displaces public attention from crimes resulting from drugs

• (Potentially) Undermines positive initiatives

Pros Cons

But: What about?

Discourse Influence FrameworkMedia Coverage

| Slant

Civil Society | Rights Groups

Culture | Religion | Values

System

Communication Breakdown

Consistent focus on the issue (i.e. HR violation)

CHR, UN condemning act; tagging the same as HR

violation

Adherence to due process, despite gravity of crime; “band wagon” mentality

Lapses and inconsistencies in official statements;

brute, abrasive statements

Discourse Media Coverage

| Slant

Civil Society | Rights Groups

Culture | Religion | Values

System

Communication Breakdown

Right not absolute.

Effective warning.

Martial Law is back!

Human rights violation!

Abuse of power!

Iron fist — what we need.

Discourse Going Global

Discourse’s Impact (?)Political

• Senate committee investigations on extrajudicial killings

• CHR investigations

• International bodies conducting on investigation

• Civil society, church, academe - statements condemning war on drugs; signature campaigns

• Undermines legislative branch / judiciary functions

Social

• Investments being pulled out for fear of lawlessness

• Reduced tourist influx

• Restrictive/Conditional aid packages

Economic

Trust Rating Satisfaction Rating

2 Faces of Discourse (Attack)

2 Faces of Discourse (Defense)

Massifying Discourse

A representation of the “normality” of life — what connects (to) people.

Reinforces credibility/sincerity in core messages.

Media’s Grip on Government• Unrelenting pursuit of truth;

retaliatory; unfazed

• Escalating attention to international community; network mobilization

• Creating leads; instigating investigations; providing impetus for policy review and discussions

• Selective capitalization on issues (who speaks loudest [and sells] gains mileage)

Populist Grip on Media• From causing to question to

being questioned

• Influence remains strong, but trustworthiness compromised by user-generated content in social media (“alternative truth”?) & populist government casting doubt on its objectivity

• News becoming a subject of rebuttal, attack; instead of source of information

• Media outfits being revealed as “colored”, interest-oriented

Philippines In Focus Media’s Discursive Influence (The War on Drugs, etc)

By Mark Raygan E. Garcia MPPG Student, The Education University of Hong Kong