The "I-KMJS na ‘yan!" Vibe: Jessica Soho's Masterclass for Campus Journalists

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

When a broadcast legend like Jessica Soho takes the stage, you don’t just get a talk; you get a masterclass. At the National Schools Press Conference (#NSPC2025) in Ilocos Sur, campus journalists weren't just lectured—they were ignited. What happened when a veteran journalist met the next generation of storytellers? A dramatic convergence of "truth bombs, purpose checks, and all the vibes." It was a moment so powerful, it could only be described as, "I-KMJS na ‘yan!"

The AICFRBG of Journalism: A Seven-Point Manifesto

Jessica Soho didn't just share tips; she laid out the foundational pillars of her career, a seven-point manifesto for ethical and impactful journalism, which she encapsulated in the acronym AICFRBG:

Accuracy

Impact

Content

Fairness

Reading

Balance

Doing Good

Let's dive into these "truth bombs" that form the bedrock of a journalist's moral compass.

Accuracy: The Bedrock of the Profession

Soho didn't mince words. Accuracy is the "bedrock or foundation" of journalism. She stressed that a journalist must report what is genuinely true and verifiable. It's about facts, not fiction; data, not rumors. She warned against blindly trusting second-hand information or social media gossip, emphasizing the two-source rule and the necessity of confirmation from reputable sources. "First-hand information is gold," she declared, a resounding call for journalists to do the legwork and witness events themselves.

Impact: Telling Stories That Matter

Journalism isn't just about reporting; it's about making an impact. But this impact must be achieved with integrity. Soho cautioned against falling into the trap of sensationalism or tabloid journalism, which can manipulate facts for clicks and views. The goal is to tell a story "clearly and with impact," without resorting to exaggeration. The power of a story lies in its ability to move, inform, and inspire, not in its ability to shock.

Content: The Unquestionable Monarch

"Content will always be king or queen," Soho said, a timeless truth in an age of information overload. She reinforced a crucial principle she’s carried throughout her career: the story is the star, not the journalist. "Hindi tayo ang istorya. Ang istorya ang bida, hindi tayo." (We are not the story. The story is the protagonist, not us.) It’s a humbling reminder that journalists are merely conduits for stories that need to be told.

Fairness: Giving Every Story a Voice

In journalism, fairness isn't a suggestion; it's "gospel truth." A journalist’s sacred duty is to "always get the other side of the story, to give the other person a fair shake." When someone is accused, you must get their side of the story. You must listen to their perspective and their tale, because "each one of us has a story to tell." This commitment to fairness ensures a balanced and complete narrative.

Reading: The Journalist’s Lifeline

A journalist must be a curious and interested individual, and the only way to achieve this is through extensive reading. "You need to write, so you need to read. It's as basic and simple as that," Soho stated. Reading provides depth, knowledge, and a broader understanding of the world and its people. It is the fuel that powers a journalist's curiosity and the well from which they draw their insights.

Be Good and Do Good: The Ultimate Moral Compass

Finally, Soho left the young journalists with a powerful message that transcends the profession itself: Be Good and Do Good. This isn't just about professional ethics; it's a call to moral ascendancy. She implored them to criticize "on issues, not so much on personalities." This means no bullying, no name-calling, no below-the-belt attacks, and absolutely no spreading of fake news. "Being in media gives us some sense of moral ascendancy," she explained, emphasizing that journalists hold the "moral compass of the nation." It is a profound responsibility that demands a commitment to goodness.

Jessica Soho's masterclass was more than just a speech; it was a rallying cry. She didn't just teach the young journalists how to be better reporters; she showed them how to be better human beings. The message was clear: if you want to be a journalist, you must be a storyteller of truth, purpose, and passion. And with that, the next generation of storytellers was sent forth, equipped with a renewed sense of purpose and the unwavering spirit of "I-KMJS na ‘yan!"

About "WazzupPilipinas.com"

WazzupPilipinas.com is the fastest growing and most awarded blog and social media community that has transcended beyond online media. It has successfully collaborated with all forms of media namely print, radio and television making it the most diverse multimedia organization. The numerous collaborations with hundreds of brands and organizations as online media partner and brand ambassador makes WazzupPilipinas.com a truly successful advocate of everything about the Philippines, and even more since its support extends further to even international organizations including startups and SMEs that have made our country their second home.