Philippine media on a post mortem recollection.

I agree. There is such a thing as irresponsible journalism and showing the situation "LIVE" I believe is irresponsible. They could have taken all the footages they want and just waited for the situation to be resolved before showing the footages on TV.

If my memory serves me best, none in the history of the Philippines ever media apologized on the shortcomings or mistakes on their part, they always invoke freedom of speech and their role in journalism practice, is this reason acceptable or just merely using as an excuse but the truth is, they are just after of ratings? It is very frustrating to know that the media themselves are the one exposing our weaknesses and failures to the world. I totally agree on the proposed media blackout whenever there is a sensitive hostage crisis situation.

They like to just REPORT.With out really thinking of the IMPACT not just in our youngsters and other people world wide. However Eileen, if we allow the Legislation to put some regulations to have Media Restraint, consequences are future Legislators will use this an abuse of Power. it would be another slow revival of a total news black out of the real situation, just like during Marcos Time. showing only the good and segregate the bad ones, or like China who only does censorship. So, my Opinion here is that the Police were still at fault, including some of those in the government who were handling the hostage crisis. it's more sad that the failure was seen off shore. . I believe the cops wants their operation exposed since it's the media who scoop their works, unfortunately, it back fired... for me, it's not the fault of the media, but maybe it's time that they regulate themselves for that restrained. and not the government.

To be honest... This made me appreciate PGMA all the more. If anyone remembers the incident in Manila Pen Rebellion, one of the first things that she acted on is get the media out of the way.

The main reason i can think of is that the media is aware that there's such a protocol on covering hostage situations. I guess everyone is partly guilty because of the outcome of events. It could have been a different story if no lives were lost. I myself partly blame the media coverage but the thought that it would endanger the lives of the hostages didn't cross my mind so i guess the viewing public are partly to blame as well. I was just focussed on what's being broadcasted and i'm sure a lot of people, including both the police and the media didn't realized what going on inside the bus.

i also think so..... I also began worry about it..... it is also very common in Indonesia....7 times a week and often only happen.....

Your missing the point here. It's like your blaming rainfall, something that you can't stop. But you can prevent yourself from being wet. Try to think clearly here, they were airing the news, covering the hostage crisis. Do they have any knowledge whatsoever that things would go out of hand? No. Police should have restrained the media.. placed police lines all over the area and contained it. Weren't you watching the IIRC coverage? RMN played a recording of what the hostage taker was feeling - He's disappointed at the negotiator, says he doesn't trust him and he doesn't wan't to talk to him anymore.. he even threatened to kill the hostages since the negotiation process is going nowhere. Let's just focus on the real problem here - security is lax here and the government is corrupt.

In my opinion, I think theres nothing to blame with that incident. You know why? What if the operation became successful? They would praise. But now that it was failed... oh no. I believe, all personel involve did the best of their duty during hostage crisis, even the media men, its just was so happen to failed.