For the past 15 years, our publication has been a steadfast source of news and information, committed to delivering accurate and well-researched stories that matter to the residents of Baguio, Benguet, and the rest of the Cordillera.
Yet, we cannot help but notice how quickly digital platforms and social media have overtaken newspapers and other print media. Let’s be clear: digital media has its merits. Still, we argue that the accountability, credibility, and depth of print journalism remain unparalleled.
One of the hallmarks of print media is its permanence. A newspaper, once published, cannot be edited or deleted—it exists as a tangible record. This characteristic ensures greater accountability, as every news report, article, or opinion piece can be easily retrieved and scrutinized.
Digital platforms, in contrast, allow posts to be edited or deleted. This makes it harder to track misinformation or inconsistencies in reporting (except if one has screenshots or videos which would still be subject to verification).
Print media relies on seasoned professionals—journalists who have undergone rigorous training or earned their credibility through years of experience. In contrast, anyone with an internet connection can publish content online, regardless of qualifications or expertise. This openness has led to the proliferation of fake news, clickbait, and poorly researched articles, often designed to mislead readers.
Newspaper publications also have a built-in system of checks and balances, including editors and fact-checkers, who work tirelessly to ensure that stories meet journalistic standards. Digital platforms often lack these safeguards, so misinformation is easier to spread unchecked.
Running a print publication is an expensive endeavor, so every story must be worth the resources it consumes, from paper to ink to distribution. This cost naturally curtails the publication of trivial or sensationalist stories, unlike in the digital sphere, where content is often designed to maximize clicks, views, and ad revenue.
Social media platforms, in particular, are notorious for rewarding sensationalism where the system incentivizes creators to prioritize virality over truth. This leads to a flood of misinformation that can damage public trust and discourse. Print media, by its very nature, avoids this trap by prioritizing quality over quantity.
Of course, it’s easy to assume that print media is less eco-friendly due to the paper and ink it consumes, but this perspective overlooks the environmental cost of digital platforms. Data centers and servers powering the internet require vast amounts of energy, thus contributing significantly to carbon emissions.
The choice between print and digital isn’t black and white, though—both have their environmental costs. However, newspapers printed on recycled or sustainably sourced paper can be surprisingly eco-conscious.
Despite the rise of digital platforms, print media remains a reliable source of information. A physical newspaper offers an experience that no screen can replicate—a curated, distraction-free dive into the day’s or week’s most important stories. And to those tired of algorithm-driven feeds that prioritize engagement over truth, print can be a refreshing alternative.
To survive, reach a wider audience, and produce a variety of content, even we have had to embrace digital platforms. However, the Baguio Chronicle remains committed to the integrity of print journalism.
We know that in order to keep going, our print and digital platforms must coexist. Even then, you can trust us to uphold the standards, enduring credibility, and accountability characteristic of print media.
