If I told anyone today that journalism used to be a coveted profession, I doubt anyone would believe me. After all, who dares to dream about a career constantly grappling with low pay and subpar working conditions?
In fact, my journalism instructors themselves echo such realities in class discussions, stating that the pay for journalists is just enough to cover the needs, but not so much the wants.
A 2025 survey from the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines found that 159 of 327 Metro Manila journalists were only paid Php 5,000 to Php 10,000 monthly. Additionally, the survey’s findings showed that a growing number of Metro Manila journalists also do not receive government-mandated benefits such as SSS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth.
For a profession that the public heavily relies on to deliver up-to-date information, the compensation that journalists receive fails to reflect the value of their relentless work as watchdogs of democracy.
This disparity between perceived value and labor compensation is further emphasized in modern media landscape. With the internet making information accessible for all, netizens can now produce and share news instantly. Yet, while this democratization has opened doors for citizen journalism and broadened the scope of coverage, it has also blurred the line between trained journalists and content creators.
Additionally, journalists also deal with the decrease of local newsrooms and the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI). Although some newsrooms like Rappler have introduced their own guidelines for using AI, the looming question remains: Will AI eventually replace journalists?
Such uncertainties not only shape the professional landscape of journalism but also its perceptions in the academe. As an aspiring journalist myself, I have witnessed the prominent decline of those taking the journalism track in my program. From over 20 students who took up Introduction to Journalism (COMM 76), I have since been in journalism electives composed of less than 10 students.
Even for individuals like me who believe in the purpose of journalism, it is difficult to commit to the profession when I also desire to sustain myself in the long run. This has resulted in me taking up some public relations and marketing classes—not out of passion, but out of caution.
When students begin to treat journalism as a risky choice rather than a viable career, the profession loses not just numbers, but potential. It discourages those who may have had the passion, integrity, and skill to contribute meaningfully to the field. However, the truth must be said: you cannot survive on passion alone.
Journalism, at its core, is about public service. Yet, this should not come at the cost of personal stability. If society expects journalists to act as watchdogs of democracy, then it must also recognize their labor as essential and worthy of fair compensation, protection, and support.
Until then, journalism will remain caught in a contradiction: deeply valued in principle, yet persistently undervalued in practice.
Ana Rufa is a graduating Communication student specializing in journalism and public relations at the Ateneo de Manila University. Through her passion for storytelling in all forms, she hopes to shed light on the various realities and lives surrounding the communities that she covers.
Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed by the opinion writer do not necessarily state or reflect those of the publication.
