Legarda speaks on 'Mass Media and Law'
February 19 , 2009

Renowned lawyer and journalist Atty. Katrina Legarda was the guest speaker during an academic convocation with the theme “Mass Media and Law” held at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium, Silliman University last February 19.

The event was co-sponsored by Silliman University’s College of Mass Communication, the Dr. Jovito R. Salonga Center for Law and Development, the College of Law, and the Graduate Studies Program.

Addressing mostly law and mass communication students of Dumaguete City, Legarda spoke about the relationship of the legal profession and the mass media profession.  

“A lawyer dealing with media has to look at the system of laws attached and demanded by the journalist’s profession,” said Legarda.

Legarda further added that “mass media has a huge impact on our culture and on a lawyer’s profession. It can mold and shape the opinions of the people. It can turn the tide of public opinion for or against someone.”

She also recognized that one “problematic issue” causing tension between the relationship of lawyers and the media profession is with regard to issues concerning libel.

Expressing concern that some media practitioners have resorted to gossips in order to increase their readers, listeners, and viewers, she reminded media practitioners that as servants of the citizens, they should remain fair and honest in the light of competing interests that are attempting to manipulate media and public opinion.

According to her, the only way to keep media practitioners from harm is to always adhere to fair, truthful and balanced reporting. (By Ramon Antonio A. Ruperto, with reports from the Weekly Sillimanian and the Negros Chronicle)

View Related News Clippings: the Weekly Sillimanian, Negros Chronicle