BIBLIOGRAPHY BAUTISTA, ANNA MARIE F....
BIBLIOGRAPHY
BAUTISTA, ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012. Environmental Coverage of Two
Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City. Benguet State University, La Trinidad,
Benguet.
Adviser: Filmore Y. Awas, MDC
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to compare the environmental coverage of Zigzag
Weekly and Baguio Chronicle. Specifically, it determined the frequency of articles
published; determined the dominant source of information of the articles published;
compared the nature of environmental articles in terms of treatment, placement, inclusion
of illustrations and photographs; determined the dominating fields in environment mostly
covered by the two local weekly newspapers; determined the section of the newspaper
where most environmental articles can be found, and; identified the challenges faced by
both publications in environmental reporting.
A modified coding sheet was used to analyze 56 articles published in Zigzag
Weekly and 46 articles published in Baguio Chronicle. The editor-in-chief of Zigzag
Weekly, associate editor and three reporters of Baguio Chronicle were also interviewed.
For the frequency of articles, both publications did not have an environmental
article on every issue. Articles were written and published during the outbreak of the
controversial issue.
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
Out of the different categories, the dominant sources of information of the articles
published in both publications were official voices and documents.
On the nature of coverage, most articles in both publications were treated as news
feature and were found on the news page, inside pages. On the other hand, few of the
articles in both publications had photographs and illustrations on it.
Results also showed that the dominating fields of environment covered by both
publications were on social and ecological concern.
Meanwhile, there were several identified challenges faced by both publications in
environmental reporting. These include space limitations, technicality and complexity of
an environmental issue, tough deadlines, unfamiliar source of information, negative
reporting, lack of environmental reporters and financial crisis.
Based from the results, the study recommends that the two publications may
consider publishing more environmental articles with the voice of the masses and more
illustrations, photographs or graphics in it. On the other hand, budding journalist may also
opt to undergo trainings about environmental reporting to overcome their problems in this
specialized kind of reporting.
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ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Environmental reporting may talk about people’s interactions with anything present
in their surroundings, which affects the environment. It includes coverage of health,
economics, politics, commerce, development, physical resources and a wide variety of
scientific research (Philippine Environmental Journalists Inc., 1988).
The newspaper is one of the most credible sources of information when it comes to
covering the different issues and events in our society as emphasized by the PEJI. It is a
fact that the media plays a critical role in informing and helping to mold public opinion
especially as stressed by PEJI, in guarding the environmental concerns for future
generations.
However, according to Bartolo (2011), a former professor of journalism in Saint
Louis University and a broadcaster of DZWT, several local newspaper editors feel that
environmental reporting is a simple task; thus, they often assign any reporter who is
available to cover an environmental story at the time it breaks. As PEJI see it, doing such
do not serve the readers well.
In Baguio City, there were 12 community newspapers existing from the time of the
study. These are: Baguio Midland Courier, Baguio Reporter, Zigzag Weekly, Skyland
News, Cordillera Today, Northern Philippine Times, The Junction, The Gazette, Northern
Dispatch, Inquisitor, Baguio Chronicle, and Sunstar Baguio.
In the status of environmental reporting, Baguio Midland Courier (BMC) is known
for its environmental section which covers environmental concerns primarily in the
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Cordillera. BMC is the oldest running publication in the city and is considered one of the
most credible sources of information in the community.
Other local publications covering environmental events are Zigzag Weekly, Sunstar
Baguio, Northern Dispatch, Baguio Chronicle among others. However, few are being
published and no section for environment reports is being allocated for the said publications
unlike for BMC.
Given the above scenario, the need to evaluate the environmental coverage of these
other local publications is of importance to check if such publications are serving the
readers well in terms of environmental information as emphasized by PEJI.
Environmental reports are usually treated as straight news; thus, being placed in
news sections.
It is of crucial importance that public awareness be created as a prerequisite for
changing people’s attitudes and outlooks with regard to the environment and development.
In this regard, the mass media plays an important role in promoting such in favor of
sustainable development.
Statement of the Problem
The study compared the environmental coverage of Zigzag Weekly and Baguio
Chronicle circulated all over Baguio-Benguet and nearby provinces. Specifically, the study
answered the following questions:
1. What is the frequency of articles in both publications?
2. What is the dominant source of information of articles published?
3. How does the nature of the coverage of the two local weekly newspapers vary in
terms of treatment, placement and inclusion of illustrations and photographs?
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4. What is the common field in environment that is mostly covered by the two local
weekly newspapers?
5. What are the challenges of these publications in covering environmental stories?
Objectives of the Study
In general, the study compared the environmental coverage of Zigzag Weekly and
Baguio Chronicle circulated over Baguio-Benguet and nearby provinces. Specifically, the
study:
1. Determined the frequency of articles in both publications.
2. Determined the dominant sources of information of the articles published.
3. Compared the nature of environmental articles in terms of treatment, placement
and inclusion of illustrations and photographs.
4. Determined the dominating fields in environment that were mostly covered by
the two local weekly newspapers.
5. Identified the challenges of these publications in covering environmental stories.
Importance of the Study
The result of the study aimed to show how wide the coverage of the Zigzag Weekly
and Baguio Chronicle on environmental reporting is. It also aimed to determine if the
articles can meet the information needs of the readers. Also, the study can be of great help
for the development of environmental reporting in community and soon to the national-
based newspapers as well.
The result may also serve as a basis for environmental reporters to improve their
skills in writing articles about the environment so that it can serve the purpose.
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
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Scope and Limitation of the Study
The study focused on environmental articles published by two local weekly
newspapers. It covered the January 2011 to December 2011 issues of Baguio Chronicle
and Zigzag Weekly. It was limited in comparing the sections of the newspaper where the
environmental articles were found, dominant source of information of articles published,
treatment, placement, inclusion of illustrations and photographs, frequency of articles and
field of environment mostly covered.
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REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Environmental Communication
As defined by the Working party on Development Cooperation and Environment
(1999), environmental communication is the planned and strategic use of communication
processes and media products to support effective policy making, public participation and
project implementation geared towards environmental sustainability. This two way social
interaction process aims not so much at information dissemination rather it focuses on
motivating social groups to take part in solving or preventing environmental problems.
The role of environmental communication is to advance environment protection
and promote sustainability. Hence, it iscrucial to understand the relationship between our
daily practices and the sustainability of the natural world. These issues should be addressed
and deliberated (Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2008).
Environmental Reporting
According to the Ministry of Environment in Japan (2004), environmental
reporting refers to the systematic and holistic statements of environmental burden and
environmental efforts in an organization’s activities. This includes environmental policies,
objectives, programs and their outcomes, organizational structures and systems in
environmental activities. Environmental articles are published and are reported
periodically to the general public.
Environmental reporting includes coverage of health, economics, politics,
commerce, development, physical resources, and a wide variety of scientific research.
Also, people’s interactions with the living and non-living components of their environment,
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which alter the environment by using, redistributing, disturbing its resources, constitute a
topic for environmental reporting (Philippine Environmental Journalists, Inc., 1988).
Importance of Media
According to Chiras (2001), the involvement of media in motivating people to take
part in environmental protection and management is very important. The task is so vast
that without the help of it, the effort and investment of environmental experts and planners
would not achieve very much.
The newspaper, one of the most important medium in the society remains the source
of most of the daily information. It can provide depth information on items that comes from
different sources based on its function. Local news may directly be reported from the
community and some are indirectly gathered through the wire devices.(Whitney, 1975).
Role of Community Newspapers
A newspaper’s basic allegiance is to the local community and its focus must be on
the local news since it is of the most immediate interest to the lives of its geographically
circumscribed audience (Whitney, 1975).
Whitney (1975) further emphasized that community newspapers fill a void that the
big metropolitan dailies leave; each fulfills essentially different roles. Major newspapers
cannot cover all the news of a dozen city councils and a half dozen school boards, the
speakers and activities of several hundred civic, women’s, veterans, labor, cultural, or
charitable organizations considering that these very activities are meaningful to suburban
dwellers
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Hence, effective communication should not only be informative. It should also be
done on an interpersonal level as well as on a community level and further on a national
level (Flor, 2004).
Present Situation of Environmental Coverage
Many newspaper editors feel that environmental reporting is a simple task and
therefore, anyone can do it. As a result of this, not many newspaper or even general interest
magazines have a full time environmental reporter(Philippine Environmental Journalists,
Inc., 1988).
Asian newspapers for that matter, are typically understaffed, with only 12-24
reporters and have very few specialist writers as stated by Philippine Environmental
Journalists, Inc., (1988).
With this situation, editors often assign any available reporter to cover a
environmental story at the time it breaks. As PEJI sees it, doing this do not serve their
readers well.
Quintos (2012) stated that journalists need to research more to overcome the
complexity and technicality of such issues. This should be done to help people understand
the present situation of their environment.
On the other hand, PEJI (1988) stated that editors could help overcome their
tendency towards negative reporting by being an educator and explaining that
environmental reporting is a long-term issue, not just a series of crises. They added that
journalists should write articles on positive environmental happenings, even if these are
small steps on a very long road to a final solution. These small steps according to them are
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newsworthy and are giving readers a sense that something is being done to preserve the
environment.
Dominant Source of Information Published
Environmental story ideas, both positive and negative in nature are all around us.
PEJI (1988) enumerated some common sources of traditional story ideas which include
press releases, reports, and statements by local and national government.
For press releases, these often provide enticing clues to follow up for an effective
article. However, they should only be the starting points for stories, not the entire stories
themselves. These ideas should be more fully developed with background research
interviews before a journalist could write the story (Philippine Environmental Journalists,
Inc., 1988).
Likewise, a list of research projects at a university, academic journals, scientific
meetings and lectures, articles that appear in local and international newspapers are a good
source of information for journalists to start collecting data to write (Philippine
Environmental Journalists, Inc., 1988).
According to PEJI (1988), using several sources of information is important for
environmental reporting. However, general assignment reporters use only one or two
sources mainly because of short deadlines and that these reporters often do not know where
to find knowledgeable sources. They further emphasized that general assignment reporters
do not have much time to build up sources, even local ones, who can help them interpret
technical information.
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Treatment/Placement of Articles
PEJI (1988) once noted that environmental stories are not much emphasized in local
and national publications.
As Teodoro and De Jesus (2001) described, news coverage by the local press
follows this pattern: news is presented in such a way to invite and hold the reader’s
attention. It should arouse interest to generate the pros and cons of the practice.
Subsequently, adoption of the practice should take place.
For environmental issues, reporters need to deal with the complexity of it
considering that these have long, tenuous string of interrelated concerns which all have an
impact on people’s lives (Philippine Environmental Journalists, Inc., 1988).
These environmental stories require in-depth treatment, with careful attention over
time to the developing stories and their side issues (Philippine Environmental Journalists,
Inc., 1988).
According to Kindipan (2004), local newspapers should publish more in-depth
features or opinion articles to explain and interpret an issue in a detailed manner.
Common Field in Environment Mostly
Covered by Newspaper
For many years, environmental problems were largely local, regional, or national
issues. Solutions required actions on similar scale. Today, though, many environmental
problems still affect the entire globe and require international efforts to solve (Chiras,
2001).
According to Mayer (2001) the environmental problems we face today are many.
They include human population growth, deforestation, water pollution, rising demands for
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non-renewable resources, toxic effects of hazardous chemical, global climate change, and
stratospheric ozone depletion.
With this, the importance of “process reporting” in monitoring the environment
cannot be overemphasized. This is different from traditional reporting which is “events
oriented,” as its reports manifest reality, such as the number of virgin forests or the extent
of illegal logging (Braid, 1987).
“Process reporting”, captures what may not be visible to the naked eye. For
example, the reporter writes about the poverty and destruction of the forests, man’s
relationship with others and links this event to the urban migration of youth, because they
cannot see any opportunity for a better life in their communities (Braid, 1987).
If we have more process-oriented journalists, we could have prevented the rapid
deterioration of our natural processes (Braid, 1987).
Section of Newspaper where most Environmental
Articles can be Found
According to Dashefsky (1993), environmental concerns are one of the hottest
issues dominating columns in the newspapers and in radio and television programs as well.
The barrage of environmental issues people read or watch in the daily news are most
commonly found if not on the opinion pages, in the news page.
One after another, environmental problems have hit the headlines. The extent to
which these problems appear in the popular press indicates the extent of public awareness.
The environmental movement has worked hard to bring problems to people’s attention
(Tepperman and Blain, 1999).
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In China, there is a great interest in specialized environmental reporting. China
Environmental News is a national newspaper with 600,000- copy distribution. In addition,
there are 96 environmental journals and publications at the provincial, municipality and
autonomous region level. About 40 full-time and part-time environmental journalists are
at work in China. No other Asian nation has an extensive environmental reporting activity
as China (Philippine Environmental Journalists, Inc., 1988).
Inclusion of Illustrations and Photographs
Since pictures can simplify and effectively convey a message of a story more than
words, it is strongly recommended that an inclusion of photo or illustration in a story should
be given importance. This is to help readers, even those with low education, understand
more the story (Dinamling, 2007).
Operational Definition of Terms
Social Concern.These articles talked about the effects of environmental issues to
the attitudes, behaviours of individuals which took the interests, intentions, or needs of
other people into account. These could also be articles tackling actions and activities of
people that have an impact to the environment
Ecological concern. These articles talk about the connection of environmental
issues to the elements surrounding it, including the living and non-living things.
Educational concern. These articles may inform its readers on another
environmental issue. It may also talk about new advances in the field of environment that
gives learning to readers.
Economic concern. These articles talked about the correlation of the present
situation of environment and its effects on economics as set by the researcher.
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
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Agricultural concern. These articles talked about the effects of environment to
agriculture.
Health concern. These articles tackled the effect of environment to the health of
people.
Political concern. These tackled issues on the actions of the government in helping
lessen environmental degradation. Most likely, these were about some laws to help save
the environment.
Cultural concern. The articles included here were about the relationship of customs,
beliefs, social norms, and material traits of a religious, social or racial group with
environmental issues.
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METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
The study was conducted at the offices of the two publications, Zigzag Weekly and
Baguio Chronicles.
Zigzag Weekly is located at Dali building alongside Ferguson Road, Guisad,
Baguio City. It can be reached by 15-30 minute ride from Benguet State University.
Baguio Chronicle is located at Puso ng Baguio building alongside Session road,
Baguio City. It can also be reached by 15-30 minute ride from Benguet State University.
The duration of the study was from December 2011 to February 2012.
Subject of the Study
The study compared a total of 56 and 46 environmental articles published in Zigzag
Weekly and Baguio Chronicle, respectively. It covered the January 2011 to December 2011
issues of both publications. These newspapers are circulated over Baguio-Benguet and
nearby provinces and are chosen based on circulation, regularity of publication and
language used which is English.
Zigzag Weekly, the third oldest running publication in Baguio City is edited and
published by Atty. Antonio Pekas. Zigzag Weekly is a weekly publication which uses
English as its medium. It is circulated in Baguio City and rest of the Cordillera
Administrative Region and also has an online publication.
Baguio Chronicle is also a weekly publication that uses English as its medium. It is
circulating in Baguio City and Benguet province. Baguio Chronicle is the newest
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publication circulating over Baguio City as it was established on 2009. The editor of the
publication is Atty. Marissa Dacayanan-Madrid.
Respondents of the Study
The respondents of the study were three general assignment reporters and the
associate editor of Baguio Chronicle and the editor-in-chief of Zigzag Weekly. They served
as the key informants.
The journalists were chosen purposively as they should have an experience in
writing for the environment.
The associate editor and editor-in-chief of each publication were interviewed to
determine how they choose environmental issues to be covered.
Data Collection
The environmental articles published were coded and analyzed by the researcher.
It was manually coded which started from December 2011 to February 2012 giving a two-
month time frame.
The fields of environment covered by both publications were set by the researcher.
Likewise the parameters of these fields were also set. These fields of environment include
social, ecological, economic, educational, agricultural, health, political and cultural.
Interviews were conducted to gather information on challenges faced by both
publications in environmental reporting.
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Data Gathered
Articles were coded and analyzed to determine whether they were treated as straight
news, news feature, feature, and column/opinion or as an editorial article. It was noted if
the articles published included photographs/illustrations. It also noted how many articles
were published during the timeframe of the study.
Data on challenges faced by both publications in environmental reporting were
gathered through interviews from journalists and editors.
Data Analysis
The data were collected and analyzed using a coding sheet and was interpreted and
measured through descriptive statistics.
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Frequency of Articles
Figure 1 shows the frequency of articles in both publications per month. It can be
noted that environmental stories were not regular in both publications since not all of their
weekly issues contain such articles in it.
Zigzag Weekly published more environmental articles compared to Baguio
Chronicle. This result is related to the circulation of publication of Zigzag Weekly wherein
it does not only circulate in Baguio- Benguet and the nearby provinces but it also covers
environmental issues on these places.
Moreover, the frequency of the articles published in Zigzag Weekly was a result of
the preference of the reporter, as well as the editor to cover environmental issues. As Atty.
Pekas of Zigzag Weekly said, they cover environmental issues that affect a large number
of individuals. This, according to him, is because of the fact that the most important aspect
in covering the environment is the people.
The frequency of articles published in both newspapers raised during the rainy
season, especially at the time the environmental issue on trash slide occurred, based on the
analyzed trend of stories by the researcher.
Most of the articles were published at the time the tragedy came out. After an
environmental issue happens, news coverage is constant and suddenly fades out after one
or two months. A few follow-ups were exhibited in both publications like the case of the
trash slide incident.
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16
14
12
10
8
Zigzag Weekly
6
Baguio Chronicle
4
2
0
Figure 1. Number of articles in both publications every month
Although both newspapers had environmental articles published in it, still, there
were lesser number of articles covering this specialized issue compared to other regular
beats such as crime and politics among others.
With this, it can be inferred that environmental reporting are not much in the two
local publications as it only arises when certain event/ issue breaks. This corroborates the
statement of PEJI (1988) that environmental stories are not much emphasized in local as
well as national publications.
Dominant Source of Information
Figures 2 and 3 show the dominant sources of information of the articles published
in Zigzag Weekly and Baguio Chronicle, respectively. The source of information was
determined in terms of the voices reflected.
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
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Out of the 56 environmental articles in Zigzag Weekly, a total of 41 (73.21%)
articles were from official voices, usually from government officials while Baguio
Chronicle had 33 (71.74%) out of 46 articles analyzed.
A sample of these articles from official voices is shown below.
With Executive Order No. 23 which declared a moratorium on cutting trees
in natural and residual forest areas, the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) has allotted P2-million for the wages of Bantay Gubat
personnel and extension officers in the region.
This was the pronouncement of DENR-CAR Regional Director Clarence
Baguilat adding that this is a way to protect the future for future generations.
Results also show that both newspapers used a combination of the different sources
of information. Zigzag had 12 (21.43%) articles that came from a combination of the
different sources of information while Chronicle had 10 (21.74%) articles.
Zigzag Weekly got most of their information from both official voices and
technical people which include environment specialists and academic researchers. On the
other hand, Baguio Chronicle combined the use of official voices and documents such as
written researches of academic scholars.
The figure also shows that Zigzag Weekly had a low percentage on technical
people, or the masses, or from documents while Baguio Chronicle took none from the
masses, as well as from technical people.
Previous research results show that government officials are still the primary source
of information for journalists may it be a regular beat or a specialized/developmental topic.
In the case of environmental reporting in Zigzag Weekly and Baguio Chronicle, both
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newspapers had high percentage on official voices. These include government offices and
officials. This result asserts the statement of Listino (2003) that official voice, a form of
traditional source of information, is still the primary source for journalists as of today.
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
official voices
masses
documents
technical people Official voices and
Technical people
Figure 2.Dominant Source of Information of article published in Zigzag Weekly
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
official voices
masses
documents
technical people official voices and
documents
Figure 3. Dominant Source of Information of article published in Baguio Chronicle
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
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Article Treatment
Meanwhile, it can be noted that for both Zigzag Weekly and Baguio Chronicle,
reporting for the environment is given importance as their articles were treated in such a
way that an issue is introduced and is explained for the readers.
Table 1 shows that the environmental articles in Zigzag Weekly and Baguio
Chronicle were mostly treated as news feature with 62.5% and 54.35%, respectively.
Straight news was second in rank for both of the newspapers. Zigzag Weekly had
11 (19.64%) while Baguio Chronicle had 12 (26.09%).
On the other hand, both newspapers had a low percentage of opinion, feature and
editorial articles.
This result may be connected to the problems faced by some journalists as stated
by Ofelia Empian and Jessa Mardy Polonio. Both of these journalists from Baguio
Chronicle said that they had a difficult time looking for a proper source of information for
their environmental stories. According to them, less time in researching and interviewing
more credible sources for their environmental stories, including their deadline, caused them
to treat their articles as straight news or news feature if given more time.
This result corroborates the study of Kindipan (2004) that local newspapers have
less feature articles, therefore, they should publish more in-depth features or opinion
articles to explain and interpret an issue in a detailed manner.
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
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Table 1. Treatment of Articles in the two publications
ARTICLE TREATMENT
ZIGZAG WEEKLY
BAGUIO CHRONICLE
N=56
N=46
PERCENTAGE
PERCENTAGE
Straight news
11 19.64%
12 26.09%
News feature
35 62.5%
25 54.35%
Feature
2 3.57%
3 6.52%
Editorial
2 3.57%
2 4.35%
Column/opinion
6 10.71%
4 8.7%
Example of this article from Baguio Chronicle is shown below:
The city, thru the Environment and Parks management Office or CEPMO,
is embarking on a strategy to help clean the city’s water ways and tributaries of
wastes while providing alternative means of clean energy for households.
The alternative technology introduced is the ‘bio-digesters’ or a device to
collect methane gas from animal manure and other wastes. It works best when
fuelled with pig manure but human waste and other biodegradable materials can
also be used in extracting bio-gas at the same time producing high-quality
fertilizer as by-product…
Bio-digesters can be used by residents who are near rivers and canals so
they won’t dump their liquid wastes directly into it…
Article Placement
Most of the time, an article is placed in a certain space of a newspaper based on its
perceived significance to the readers’ lives. Also, it is perceived to be of greater importance
when it is placed on the headlines.
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In the case of the two publications content analyzed, Table 2 shows that both
publications placed their environmental articles in the inside pages with Zigzag Weekly
having 47 (83.93%) out of 56 articles while Baguio Chronicle had 41 (89.13%).
Results also show that selected articles were seen on the front page. These were
usually highly controversial issues about the environment covered by both publications.
An example of the environmental article placed on the headlines is the trash slide incident
in Baguio City. According to Quintos of the Baguio Chronicle, this was placed on their
front pages because of its great impact and prominence to the readers. This issue was placed
on the front page of both newspapers and remained in the same page for about two
consecutive volumes.
Few of the several topics usually covered by both publications placed in the
headlines are usually about controversial matters on the city’s politics and economic issues,
mainly about price hikes of goods and services. These topics cover the front pages because
of its relevance to the readers of both publications as said by Quintos of Baguio Chronicle
and Atty. Pekas of Zigzag Weekly and so environmental issues cannot compete with it.
Meanwhile, no articles were placed as fillers to both publications.
Baguio Chronicle does not have any article in the back page because it is meant for
advertisement purposes only while Zigzag Weekly has two (3.57%).
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Table 2. Placement of articles in the two publications
PLACEMENT OF ARTICLES
ZIGZAG WEEKLY
BAGUIO CHRONICLE
N=56 PERCENTAGE
N=46 PERCENTAGE
Front page
7 12.5%
5 10.87%
Back page
2 3.57%
- -
Inside page
47 83.93%
41 89.13%
This result shows that both publications give importance to environmental issues
in terms of its placement in their publication.
Inclusion of Illustrations/Photographs
Both newspapers included photos to articles mostly found on the headlines.
Only four (7.14%) of the articles in Zigzag Weekly were accompanied with visuals,
all of which were photographs with captions. Three of these were headlines with
photographs that showed overall scene and one feature story showing people in action.
Results also showed that seven (15.22%) articles published in Baguio Chronicle
have visuals. These include five (10.87%) articles, three headlines and two feature stories
with photos showing overall scene and there were also two (4.35%) editorial articles with
editorial cartoon included in it.
Articles on the inside pages of the two publications did not included photos in it.
On the other hand, photographs placed before headline articles indicated that both
were stressing the impact of the issue and they were letting people understand more the
situation of the city.
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
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ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
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This affirms the study of Dinamling (2007) which emphasizes the relevance of
using illustrations or photographs in print media. She stated that an inclusion of a
photograph or illustration in a story is important to help readers that even those with low
education understand more the story. Althiede (1996) as cited by Listino (2003) noted that
the use of picture is another form of framing information, convey and simplify a desired
message
s
Plate 3. Sample of article with photograph
Figure 6. Sample of article with photograph
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
Figure 7. Sample of Editorial cartoon
Field of Environment Covered
Figures 4 and 5 show the dominating fields in environment covered by Zigzag
Weekly and Baguio Chronicle.
The environmental articles were analyzed according to the different fields set by
the researcher, as covered by both publications. These articles were classified as social,
ecological, educational, economic, agricultural, health, political and cultural concern.
Social concern. Based on the parameters set for this study, articles that focused on
social concern were those that talked about the effects of environmental issues to the
attitudes, behaviours of individuals which took the interests, intentions, or needs of other
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
people into account. Also, these could be articles tackling actions and activities of people
that have an impact to the environment.
Both newspapers had high percentage of environmental articles on social concern.
Some of the articles of both publications covered the issue on how people can help save
the environment through social responsibility as it is a collective duty. Zigzag Weekly had
24 (42.86%) while Baguio Chronicle had 14 (30.43%) articles (see Appendix C, K).
Ecological concern. Articles on ecology, based on the parameters set for this study,
talked about the connection of environmental issues to the elements surrounding it.
Fourteen articles (25%) in Zigzag Weekly and 11 (23.91%) in Baguio Chronicle
were on ecological concern. Most of these articles discussed about the present situation of
the ecology (see Appendix D, L).
Educational concern. Articles on educational concern inform its readers on another
environmental issue. It may also talk about new advances in the field of environment that
gives learning to readers.
Few of the articles content analyzed were classified under this. Only five (10.87%)
articles in Baguio Chronicle were on educational concern while Zigzag Weekly had two
(3.57%). These articles discussed climate change (see Appendix F, M).
Economic concern. Five (8.93%) articles in Zigzag Weekly are on economics while
Baguio Chronicle has none. These articles talked about the correlation of the present
situation of environment and its effects on economics as set by the researcher (see Appendix
E).
Agricultural concern. Articles that fall under agricultural concern, based on the
parameters set for this study, talked about the effects of environment to agriculture.
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
Result shows that there were only few articles that fall under this field. Both
newspapers showed low percentage of articles under this aspect with only four (7.14%) in
Zigzag Weekly while Baguio Chronicle has only one (2.17%) article.
The result backs the result of the study of Dinamling (2007) where environment is less
focused in writing some local publications (see Appendix G, N).
Health concern. Environmental reports have less percentage focus on this aspect.
Both publications only have two articles each. These articles usually talked about the effect
of environment to the health of people based on the criteria set by the researcher (see
Appendix H, O).
Political concern. Articles in this aspect were quite more in number compared to
health and agricultural concern. Four were in Zigzag Weekly and five were in Baguio
Chronicle. These tackled issues on the actions of the government in helping lessen
environmental degradation. Most likely, these were about some laws to help save the
environment based on the criteria set by the researcher (see Appendix I, P).
Cultural concern. Articles under this aspect had the lowest percentage for both
publications. The articles included here were about the relationship of customs, beliefs,
social norms, and material traits of a religious, social or racial group with environmental
issues based on the parameters set by the researcher. The articles discussed the good effects
of Cordillera Indigenous practices in preserving the environment (see Appendix J, Q).
Generally, the findings show that the dominating field in environmental reporting
in both local publications is more on social concern. This is mainly because of the expected
elements of an environmental article as enumerated by Atty. Pekas. These include being
objective, balance, should have a great impact to a large number of people, should have
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
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prominence, as well as proximity. All of these is an implication that environmental
reporting is a social issue, thus classified under social concern.
Ecological concern could also be noted for its high percentage as shown in the
results.
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Economic
Social
Cultural
Political
Ecological Educational
Health
Agricultural
Figure 8. Fields of Environment covered in Zigzag Weekly
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Economic
Social
Cultural
Political
Ecological Educational
Health
Agricultural
Figure 9. Fields of Environment covered in Baguio Chronicle
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
Section of Newspaper where most
Environmental Articles are Found
Using the coding sheet, the section of newspaper where most environmental article
can be found was identified.
Figures 6 and 7 show the section of newspaper where most environmental articles
can be found in Zigzag Weekly and Baguio Chronicle, respectively. The former had 40
(71.43%) articles found on the news page, six (10.71%) on the headline, and six (10.71%)
on the opinion page.
Chronicle had 29 (63.04%) found in the news page, five on the feature page, four
(8.70%) on the headline, and four (8.70%) on the opinion page.
Based on the results, it is perceived that like any other regular beats, environment
reports were also placed in the news page. This is linked to the result in the treatment of
environmental articles that because of certain problems of writers on information source
and deadline, they treat environmental articles as straight news and news feature thus,
placed on the news page.
On the other hand, fewer articles were found on the headlines. These were usually
environmental issues that were very controversial and had great impact to the society
according to the editors.
Opinion pages and feature pages also had less environment reports on it. These
reports were published at the time a very controversial issue occurred. This reverses the
statement of Dashefsky (1993) that environmental issues are most commonly found in the
opinion pages. In the case of Zigzag Weekly and Baguio Chronicle, environmental articles
did not have much space in the opinion page.
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ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Headline
News page
Editorial page Opinion page
Sports page
Others (Feature
page)
Figure 10. Sections of newspaper where environmental articles in Zigzag Weekly are
found
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Headline
News page
Editorial page Opinion paage
Sports page
Feature page
Figure 11. Section of newspaper where environmental articles in Baguio Chronicle are
found
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ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
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Challenges of Both Publications
in Environmental Reporting
From the interview with Zigzag Weekly editor-in-chief Atty. Antonio Pekas,
Baguio Chronicle associate editor Sly Quintos and Larry Madarang, Jessa Mardy Polonio
and Ofelia Empian, three reporters of Baguio Chronicle, some challenges faced by both
publications were identified.
Space limitations. According to Atty. Pekas, considering the space to be occupied
by stories, not all environmental issues were covered by Zigzag Weekly.
The need for more in-depth stories and explanation about an environmental issue
causes it not to be tackled by the publication. He said that there were more controversial
issues that affect a larger number of people rather than an environmental story.
Technicality and complexity. One of the problems enumerated by the reporters of
Baguio Chronicle was the technicality and complexity of an environmental issue.
According to Madarang, because of its wide coverage, he is having a difficult time
covering an environmental issue. He need to understand the issue for himself first before
writing it. He said that he cannot be considered an effective conveyer of information to his
readers if he himself does not understand the topic he is writing on.
With this problem, Quintos advised the reporters to do a lot of researches. The
technicality of an environmental issue according to him may be best explained and
understood by researching for the meaning of some highly-technical words. Moreover,
Quintos said that journalists should also choose the information so that the readers can
understand well the published story. He further emphasized this by saying that “Reporting
is actually educating the people.”
Deadline. One of the main problems stated by Empian and Polonio is the
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deadline. They said that tough deadlines cause them to rush in gathering information, and
at times, they disregard the use of researches for their articles.
As a result of this, they treat their articles as straight news and news feature. They
have less explanation for environmental issues, and so, some are complicated to
understand.
Source of Information. Another problem these journalists faced was their source of
information. Polonio and Empian, being budding journalists, were having difficult time
gathering information because some of their intended sources were hesitant in bringing out
information.
Moreover, they do not know whom to interview for their environmental topic. Of
the several possible sources of information, they were confused on where to find the most
reliable sources.
According to PEJI (1988), using several sources of information is important for
environmental reporting. However, reporters assigned to cover general events use only one
or two sources mainly because of short deadlines and that these reporters often do not know
where to find knowledgeable sources. They further emphasized that “general assignment”
reporters do not have much time to build up sources, even local ones, who can help them
interpret technical information.
Negative reporting. Quintos said that negative reporting is another problem that
many budding journalists do. He emphasized that one must not be an alarmist. Alarmist,
according to him, is someone who writes an issue in a negative manner as to distress its
readers.
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ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
He said that negative thoughts should not always be a part of the article. Although
negative information cannot be avoided, a journalist must be balanced, and objective in
reporting. Quintos emphasized that the reporters should also bring the positive side of an
environmental issue so that in one way or another, education among the readers may still
be present.
This can be asserted by PEJI’s statement that editors could help overcome their
tendency towards negative reporting by being an educator and explaining that
environmental reporting is a long-term issue, not just a series of crises. They added that
journalists should write articles on positive environmental happenings, even if these are
small steps on a very long road to a final solution. These small steps according to them are
newsworthy and are giving readers a sense that something is being done to preserve the
environment.
Lack of Environmental Reporters and Financial crisis. Last important problem
faced by both publications is the lack of environmental reporters as related to financial
crisis.
According to Atty. Pekas, he assigns general assignment reporters to cover
environmental issues and does not hire specialized beat reporters because it will mean more
finances to them.
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SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
This study was conducted to compare the environmental coverage of Zigzag
Weekly and Baguio Chronicle. Specifically, it determined the dominant source of
information of the articles published; compared the nature of environmental articles in
terms of treatment, placement, inclusion of illustrations and photographs, and frequency of
articles; determined the dominating fields in environment mostly covered by the two local
weekly newspapers, and; determined the section of the newspaper where most
environmental articles can be found.
Following the principles of content analysis, a modified coding sheet instrument
was used to assess and compare the environmental coverage of the two local weekly
newspapers.
A total of 102 articles were coded from January to February 2012 in two local
weekly newspapers, Zigzag Weekly and Baguio Chronicle. The environmental articles
coded were published from January 2011 to December 2011. Fifty-six articles were
published in Zigzag Weekly and forty six articles were published in Baguio Chronicle.
These articles were content analyzed.
For the frequency of articles, both publications did not have an environmental
article on every issue. Articles were written and published at the time the story came out
and some follow-ups were also present.
The dominant sources of information of the articles published were categorized
according to official voices, masses, technical people, and documents. Most of the
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ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
information in the articles both in Zigzag Weekly and Baguio Chronicle came from official
voices and a combination of the different sources.
On the nature of coverage, most articles both in Zigzag Weekly and Baguio
Chronicle were treated as news feature. For the placement, most environmental articles in
Zigzag Weekly and Baguio Chronicle were found on the inside pages.
Few of the articles in both publications had photographs as well as illustrations on
it. In Zigzag Weekly, there were only four articles with photographs, all of which had
captions and showed overall scene. These articles were mostly placedin the headlines. In
Baguio Chronicle, seven articles included photos and illustrations. Five had photographs,
all with caption and mostly showed overall scene. Two had editorial cartoons included in
the editorial articles.
The dominating field of environment covered by Zigzag Weekly were on social,
ecological and economic concern while Baguio Chronicle focused on social, ecological
and educational concern.
The section of the newspaper where most environmental articles found in Zigzag
Weekly and Baguio Chronicle was the news page.
For the challenges faced by both publications in environmental reporting, both
publications said that there problems were space limitations, technicality and complexity
of an environmental issue, tough deadlines, where to find reliable source of information,
negative reporting, and lack of environmental reporters and financial crisis.
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
Conclusions
Based on the results, the following conclusions were derived:
1. Environmental articles are not much emphasized in local publications based on
the analysis of the study.
2. Government offices and officials are still considered by most reporters as reliable
source of information.
3. Placement of articles depends on the criteria set by the publication.
Environmental stories are not mostly seen in opinion pages but treated as news or news
feature stories.
4. The use of photographs and illustrations vary from one publication to another
depending on the impact of the photo.
5. Selection of stories under the different fields of environmental reporting depends
on the impact of the story being covered.
6. Challenges faced by local publications in environmental reporting are several
and varied; from the topics, the writers themselves, as well as the editors of the publications
covering it.
Recommendations
Based on the derived conclusions, the researcher recommends the following:
1. The two publications may consider the inclusion of the voice of the masses in
environmental articles to better understand how an issue affects the people.
2. The two community newspapers may include more illustrations, photographs or
graphics in environmental stories for the people to perceive or understand more the story
in particular and the present situation of the environment in general.
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ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
3. Community newspapers may consider publishing more environmental articles to
educate and inform the people since print is still considered by a large number of people as
reliable source of information.
4. Budding journalist may opt to undergo trainings about environmental reporting
to overcome their problem on technicality and complexity of environmental issues.
5. Related study should also be conducted in other local and national publications
to check how environmental issues are being covered to assert the information stated in
this research.
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
LITERATURE CITED
BARTOLO, C. A. 2011. Present Situation of Environmental Reporting in Baguio City.
(Personal Interview).
BRAID, F. R. 1987. Development Issues: Constitutional Response. Sta. Cruz, Manila:
National Book Store, Inc. P. 96.
CHIRAS, D. D. 2001. Environmental Science: Creating a Sustainable Future. USA: Jones
and Barlett Publishers. P. 679.
DASHEFSKY, H. S. 1993. Environmental Literacy. USA: Random House, Inc. P. vi.
DINAMLING, J. D. 2007. Comparative study of agricultural coverage in two leading
national daily newspapers. BS Thesis. BSU, La Trinidad, Benguet. Pp. 20, 23.
FLOR, A. G. 2004. Environmental Communication. Philippines: UP Open University.
P.194.
KINDIPAN, A. A. 2004. Content analysis of GATT-WTO articles in two community
newspapers in Baguio City. BS Thesis. BSU, La Trinidad, Benguet. Pp. 50-51.
LISTINO, B. C. 2003. Content analysis on the coverage of Baguio Midland Courier and
Zigzag Weekly on the 2001 carrot seed controversy. BS Thesis. BSU, La Trinidad,
Benguet. Pp. 54, 55, 59.
MAYER, J. R. 2001.Connections in Environmental Science. Singapore: McGraw Hill
Companies, Inc. Pp. xv.
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT IN JAPAN. 2004. Environmental Reporting. Retrieved
November 10, 2011 fromwww.env.go.jp/policy/j-hiroba/PRG/pdfs/e_guide.pdf
PHILIPPINE ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISTS, INC. 1988. Reporting on the
Environment: A Handbook for Journalists. Philippines. Pp. v, 18, 20,28-29, 31, 34,
36-40.
QUINTOS, S. L. 2012. Environmental Reporting in Baguio Chronicle. (Personal
Interview).
SAPIGAO, E. W. 2009. Content analysis on the editorial articles of the different student
publications of Benguet State University. BS Thesis. BSU, La Trinidad, Benguet.
P. 33.
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TEODORO, L. V. and DE JESUS, R. 2001.The Filipino Press and Media, Democracy and
Development. Philippines. P. 177.
TEPPERMAN, L. and BLAIN, J. 1999. Think Twice! Sociology looks at the Current
Social Issues. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, Inc. P. 297.
UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA (USM). 2008. Communication and Environment:
Transformation for a Sustainable Tomorrow. Retrieved November 10, 2011
fromweb.usm.my/comn/icce09.
WHITNEY, F. 1975. Mass Media and Mass Communications in Society. USA: W.M.C.
Brown Company Publishers. Pp. 22, 169.
WORKING PARTY ON DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION AND ENVIRONMENT.
1999. Applying Communication Tools. Towards Sustainable Development.
Retrieved November 10, 2011 from www.oecd.org/dataoecd/8/49/2447061.pdf
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
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BAUTISTA, ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012. Environmental Coverage of Two
Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City. Benguet State University, La Trinidad,
Benguet.
Adviser: Filmore Y. Awas, MDC
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to compare the environmental coverage of Zigzag
Weekly and Baguio Chronicle. Specifically, it determined the frequency of articles
published; determined the dominant source of information of the articles published;
compared the nature of environmental articles in terms of treatment, placement, inclusion
of illustrations and photographs; determined the dominating fields in environment mostly
covered by the two local weekly newspapers; determined the section of the newspaper
where most environmental articles can be found, and; identified the challenges faced by
both publications in environmental reporting.
A modified coding sheet was used to analyze 56 articles published in Zigzag
Weekly and 46 articles published in Baguio Chronicle. The editor-in-chief of Zigzag
Weekly, associate editor and three reporters of Baguio Chronicle were also interviewed.
For the frequency of articles, both publications did not have an environmental
article on every issue. Articles were written and published during the outbreak of the
controversial issue.
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ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
Out of the different categories, the dominant sources of information of the articles
published in both publications were official voices and documents.
On the nature of coverage, most articles in both publications were treated as news
feature and were found on the news page, inside pages. On the other hand, few of the
articles in both publications had photographs and illustrations on it.
Results also showed that the dominating fields of environment covered by both
publications were on social and ecological concern.
Meanwhile, there were several identified challenges faced by both publications in
environmental reporting. These include space limitations, technicality and complexity of
an environmental issue, tough deadlines, unfamiliar source of information, negative
reporting, lack of environmental reporters and financial crisis.
Based from the results, the study recommends that the two publications may
consider publishing more environmental articles with the voice of the masses and more
illustrations, photographs or graphics in it. On the other hand, budding journalist may also
opt to undergo trainings about environmental reporting to overcome their problems in this
specialized kind of reporting.
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ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Environmental reporting may talk about people’s interactions with anything present
in their surroundings, which affects the environment. It includes coverage of health,
economics, politics, commerce, development, physical resources and a wide variety of
scientific research (Philippine Environmental Journalists Inc., 1988).
The newspaper is one of the most credible sources of information when it comes to
covering the different issues and events in our society as emphasized by the PEJI. It is a
fact that the media plays a critical role in informing and helping to mold public opinion
especially as stressed by PEJI, in guarding the environmental concerns for future
generations.
However, according to Bartolo (2011), a former professor of journalism in Saint
Louis University and a broadcaster of DZWT, several local newspaper editors feel that
environmental reporting is a simple task; thus, they often assign any reporter who is
available to cover an environmental story at the time it breaks. As PEJI see it, doing such
do not serve the readers well.
In Baguio City, there were 12 community newspapers existing from the time of the
study. These are: Baguio Midland Courier, Baguio Reporter, Zigzag Weekly, Skyland
News, Cordillera Today, Northern Philippine Times, The Junction, The Gazette, Northern
Dispatch, Inquisitor, Baguio Chronicle, and Sunstar Baguio.
In the status of environmental reporting, Baguio Midland Courier (BMC) is known
for its environmental section which covers environmental concerns primarily in the
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Cordillera. BMC is the oldest running publication in the city and is considered one of the
most credible sources of information in the community.
Other local publications covering environmental events are Zigzag Weekly, Sunstar
Baguio, Northern Dispatch, Baguio Chronicle among others. However, few are being
published and no section for environment reports is being allocated for the said publications
unlike for BMC.
Given the above scenario, the need to evaluate the environmental coverage of these
other local publications is of importance to check if such publications are serving the
readers well in terms of environmental information as emphasized by PEJI.
Environmental reports are usually treated as straight news; thus, being placed in
news sections.
It is of crucial importance that public awareness be created as a prerequisite for
changing people’s attitudes and outlooks with regard to the environment and development.
In this regard, the mass media plays an important role in promoting such in favor of
sustainable development.
Statement of the Problem
The study compared the environmental coverage of Zigzag Weekly and Baguio
Chronicle circulated all over Baguio-Benguet and nearby provinces. Specifically, the study
answered the following questions:
1. What is the frequency of articles in both publications?
2. What is the dominant source of information of articles published?
3. How does the nature of the coverage of the two local weekly newspapers vary in
terms of treatment, placement and inclusion of illustrations and photographs?
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4. What is the common field in environment that is mostly covered by the two local
weekly newspapers?
5. What are the challenges of these publications in covering environmental stories?
Objectives of the Study
In general, the study compared the environmental coverage of Zigzag Weekly and
Baguio Chronicle circulated over Baguio-Benguet and nearby provinces. Specifically, the
study:
1. Determined the frequency of articles in both publications.
2. Determined the dominant sources of information of the articles published.
3. Compared the nature of environmental articles in terms of treatment, placement
and inclusion of illustrations and photographs.
4. Determined the dominating fields in environment that were mostly covered by
the two local weekly newspapers.
5. Identified the challenges of these publications in covering environmental stories.
Importance of the Study
The result of the study aimed to show how wide the coverage of the Zigzag Weekly
and Baguio Chronicle on environmental reporting is. It also aimed to determine if the
articles can meet the information needs of the readers. Also, the study can be of great help
for the development of environmental reporting in community and soon to the national-
based newspapers as well.
The result may also serve as a basis for environmental reporters to improve their
skills in writing articles about the environment so that it can serve the purpose.
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ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
Scope and Limitation of the Study
The study focused on environmental articles published by two local weekly
newspapers. It covered the January 2011 to December 2011 issues of Baguio Chronicle
and Zigzag Weekly. It was limited in comparing the sections of the newspaper where the
environmental articles were found, dominant source of information of articles published,
treatment, placement, inclusion of illustrations and photographs, frequency of articles and
field of environment mostly covered.
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REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Environmental Communication
As defined by the Working party on Development Cooperation and Environment
(1999), environmental communication is the planned and strategic use of communication
processes and media products to support effective policy making, public participation and
project implementation geared towards environmental sustainability. This two way social
interaction process aims not so much at information dissemination rather it focuses on
motivating social groups to take part in solving or preventing environmental problems.
The role of environmental communication is to advance environment protection
and promote sustainability. Hence, it iscrucial to understand the relationship between our
daily practices and the sustainability of the natural world. These issues should be addressed
and deliberated (Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2008).
Environmental Reporting
According to the Ministry of Environment in Japan (2004), environmental
reporting refers to the systematic and holistic statements of environmental burden and
environmental efforts in an organization’s activities. This includes environmental policies,
objectives, programs and their outcomes, organizational structures and systems in
environmental activities. Environmental articles are published and are reported
periodically to the general public.
Environmental reporting includes coverage of health, economics, politics,
commerce, development, physical resources, and a wide variety of scientific research.
Also, people’s interactions with the living and non-living components of their environment,
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which alter the environment by using, redistributing, disturbing its resources, constitute a
topic for environmental reporting (Philippine Environmental Journalists, Inc., 1988).
Importance of Media
According to Chiras (2001), the involvement of media in motivating people to take
part in environmental protection and management is very important. The task is so vast
that without the help of it, the effort and investment of environmental experts and planners
would not achieve very much.
The newspaper, one of the most important medium in the society remains the source
of most of the daily information. It can provide depth information on items that comes from
different sources based on its function. Local news may directly be reported from the
community and some are indirectly gathered through the wire devices.(Whitney, 1975).
Role of Community Newspapers
A newspaper’s basic allegiance is to the local community and its focus must be on
the local news since it is of the most immediate interest to the lives of its geographically
circumscribed audience (Whitney, 1975).
Whitney (1975) further emphasized that community newspapers fill a void that the
big metropolitan dailies leave; each fulfills essentially different roles. Major newspapers
cannot cover all the news of a dozen city councils and a half dozen school boards, the
speakers and activities of several hundred civic, women’s, veterans, labor, cultural, or
charitable organizations considering that these very activities are meaningful to suburban
dwellers
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Hence, effective communication should not only be informative. It should also be
done on an interpersonal level as well as on a community level and further on a national
level (Flor, 2004).
Present Situation of Environmental Coverage
Many newspaper editors feel that environmental reporting is a simple task and
therefore, anyone can do it. As a result of this, not many newspaper or even general interest
magazines have a full time environmental reporter(Philippine Environmental Journalists,
Inc., 1988).
Asian newspapers for that matter, are typically understaffed, with only 12-24
reporters and have very few specialist writers as stated by Philippine Environmental
Journalists, Inc., (1988).
With this situation, editors often assign any available reporter to cover a
environmental story at the time it breaks. As PEJI sees it, doing this do not serve their
readers well.
Quintos (2012) stated that journalists need to research more to overcome the
complexity and technicality of such issues. This should be done to help people understand
the present situation of their environment.
On the other hand, PEJI (1988) stated that editors could help overcome their
tendency towards negative reporting by being an educator and explaining that
environmental reporting is a long-term issue, not just a series of crises. They added that
journalists should write articles on positive environmental happenings, even if these are
small steps on a very long road to a final solution. These small steps according to them are
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
newsworthy and are giving readers a sense that something is being done to preserve the
environment.
Dominant Source of Information Published
Environmental story ideas, both positive and negative in nature are all around us.
PEJI (1988) enumerated some common sources of traditional story ideas which include
press releases, reports, and statements by local and national government.
For press releases, these often provide enticing clues to follow up for an effective
article. However, they should only be the starting points for stories, not the entire stories
themselves. These ideas should be more fully developed with background research
interviews before a journalist could write the story (Philippine Environmental Journalists,
Inc., 1988).
Likewise, a list of research projects at a university, academic journals, scientific
meetings and lectures, articles that appear in local and international newspapers are a good
source of information for journalists to start collecting data to write (Philippine
Environmental Journalists, Inc., 1988).
According to PEJI (1988), using several sources of information is important for
environmental reporting. However, general assignment reporters use only one or two
sources mainly because of short deadlines and that these reporters often do not know where
to find knowledgeable sources. They further emphasized that general assignment reporters
do not have much time to build up sources, even local ones, who can help them interpret
technical information.
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
Treatment/Placement of Articles
PEJI (1988) once noted that environmental stories are not much emphasized in local
and national publications.
As Teodoro and De Jesus (2001) described, news coverage by the local press
follows this pattern: news is presented in such a way to invite and hold the reader’s
attention. It should arouse interest to generate the pros and cons of the practice.
Subsequently, adoption of the practice should take place.
For environmental issues, reporters need to deal with the complexity of it
considering that these have long, tenuous string of interrelated concerns which all have an
impact on people’s lives (Philippine Environmental Journalists, Inc., 1988).
These environmental stories require in-depth treatment, with careful attention over
time to the developing stories and their side issues (Philippine Environmental Journalists,
Inc., 1988).
According to Kindipan (2004), local newspapers should publish more in-depth
features or opinion articles to explain and interpret an issue in a detailed manner.
Common Field in Environment Mostly
Covered by Newspaper
For many years, environmental problems were largely local, regional, or national
issues. Solutions required actions on similar scale. Today, though, many environmental
problems still affect the entire globe and require international efforts to solve (Chiras,
2001).
According to Mayer (2001) the environmental problems we face today are many.
They include human population growth, deforestation, water pollution, rising demands for
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
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non-renewable resources, toxic effects of hazardous chemical, global climate change, and
stratospheric ozone depletion.
With this, the importance of “process reporting” in monitoring the environment
cannot be overemphasized. This is different from traditional reporting which is “events
oriented,” as its reports manifest reality, such as the number of virgin forests or the extent
of illegal logging (Braid, 1987).
“Process reporting”, captures what may not be visible to the naked eye. For
example, the reporter writes about the poverty and destruction of the forests, man’s
relationship with others and links this event to the urban migration of youth, because they
cannot see any opportunity for a better life in their communities (Braid, 1987).
If we have more process-oriented journalists, we could have prevented the rapid
deterioration of our natural processes (Braid, 1987).
Section of Newspaper where most Environmental
Articles can be Found
According to Dashefsky (1993), environmental concerns are one of the hottest
issues dominating columns in the newspapers and in radio and television programs as well.
The barrage of environmental issues people read or watch in the daily news are most
commonly found if not on the opinion pages, in the news page.
One after another, environmental problems have hit the headlines. The extent to
which these problems appear in the popular press indicates the extent of public awareness.
The environmental movement has worked hard to bring problems to people’s attention
(Tepperman and Blain, 1999).
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
In China, there is a great interest in specialized environmental reporting. China
Environmental News is a national newspaper with 600,000- copy distribution. In addition,
there are 96 environmental journals and publications at the provincial, municipality and
autonomous region level. About 40 full-time and part-time environmental journalists are
at work in China. No other Asian nation has an extensive environmental reporting activity
as China (Philippine Environmental Journalists, Inc., 1988).
Inclusion of Illustrations and Photographs
Since pictures can simplify and effectively convey a message of a story more than
words, it is strongly recommended that an inclusion of photo or illustration in a story should
be given importance. This is to help readers, even those with low education, understand
more the story (Dinamling, 2007).
Operational Definition of Terms
Social Concern.These articles talked about the effects of environmental issues to
the attitudes, behaviours of individuals which took the interests, intentions, or needs of
other people into account. These could also be articles tackling actions and activities of
people that have an impact to the environment
Ecological concern. These articles talk about the connection of environmental
issues to the elements surrounding it, including the living and non-living things.
Educational concern. These articles may inform its readers on another
environmental issue. It may also talk about new advances in the field of environment that
gives learning to readers.
Economic concern. These articles talked about the correlation of the present
situation of environment and its effects on economics as set by the researcher.
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
Agricultural concern. These articles talked about the effects of environment to
agriculture.
Health concern. These articles tackled the effect of environment to the health of
people.
Political concern. These tackled issues on the actions of the government in helping
lessen environmental degradation. Most likely, these were about some laws to help save
the environment.
Cultural concern. The articles included here were about the relationship of customs,
beliefs, social norms, and material traits of a religious, social or racial group with
environmental issues.
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
The study was conducted at the offices of the two publications, Zigzag Weekly and
Baguio Chronicles.
Zigzag Weekly is located at Dali building alongside Ferguson Road, Guisad,
Baguio City. It can be reached by 15-30 minute ride from Benguet State University.
Baguio Chronicle is located at Puso ng Baguio building alongside Session road,
Baguio City. It can also be reached by 15-30 minute ride from Benguet State University.
The duration of the study was from December 2011 to February 2012.
Subject of the Study
The study compared a total of 56 and 46 environmental articles published in Zigzag
Weekly and Baguio Chronicle, respectively. It covered the January 2011 to December 2011
issues of both publications. These newspapers are circulated over Baguio-Benguet and
nearby provinces and are chosen based on circulation, regularity of publication and
language used which is English.
Zigzag Weekly, the third oldest running publication in Baguio City is edited and
published by Atty. Antonio Pekas. Zigzag Weekly is a weekly publication which uses
English as its medium. It is circulated in Baguio City and rest of the Cordillera
Administrative Region and also has an online publication.
Baguio Chronicle is also a weekly publication that uses English as its medium. It is
circulating in Baguio City and Benguet province. Baguio Chronicle is the newest
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
publication circulating over Baguio City as it was established on 2009. The editor of the
publication is Atty. Marissa Dacayanan-Madrid.
Respondents of the Study
The respondents of the study were three general assignment reporters and the
associate editor of Baguio Chronicle and the editor-in-chief of Zigzag Weekly. They served
as the key informants.
The journalists were chosen purposively as they should have an experience in
writing for the environment.
The associate editor and editor-in-chief of each publication were interviewed to
determine how they choose environmental issues to be covered.
Data Collection
The environmental articles published were coded and analyzed by the researcher.
It was manually coded which started from December 2011 to February 2012 giving a two-
month time frame.
The fields of environment covered by both publications were set by the researcher.
Likewise the parameters of these fields were also set. These fields of environment include
social, ecological, economic, educational, agricultural, health, political and cultural.
Interviews were conducted to gather information on challenges faced by both
publications in environmental reporting.
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
Data Gathered
Articles were coded and analyzed to determine whether they were treated as straight
news, news feature, feature, and column/opinion or as an editorial article. It was noted if
the articles published included photographs/illustrations. It also noted how many articles
were published during the timeframe of the study.
Data on challenges faced by both publications in environmental reporting were
gathered through interviews from journalists and editors.
Data Analysis
The data were collected and analyzed using a coding sheet and was interpreted and
measured through descriptive statistics.
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Frequency of Articles
Figure 1 shows the frequency of articles in both publications per month. It can be
noted that environmental stories were not regular in both publications since not all of their
weekly issues contain such articles in it.
Zigzag Weekly published more environmental articles compared to Baguio
Chronicle. This result is related to the circulation of publication of Zigzag Weekly wherein
it does not only circulate in Baguio- Benguet and the nearby provinces but it also covers
environmental issues on these places.
Moreover, the frequency of the articles published in Zigzag Weekly was a result of
the preference of the reporter, as well as the editor to cover environmental issues. As Atty.
Pekas of Zigzag Weekly said, they cover environmental issues that affect a large number
of individuals. This, according to him, is because of the fact that the most important aspect
in covering the environment is the people.
The frequency of articles published in both newspapers raised during the rainy
season, especially at the time the environmental issue on trash slide occurred, based on the
analyzed trend of stories by the researcher.
Most of the articles were published at the time the tragedy came out. After an
environmental issue happens, news coverage is constant and suddenly fades out after one
or two months. A few follow-ups were exhibited in both publications like the case of the
trash slide incident.
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
16
14
12
10
8
Zigzag Weekly
6
Baguio Chronicle
4
2
0
Figure 1. Number of articles in both publications every month
Although both newspapers had environmental articles published in it, still, there
were lesser number of articles covering this specialized issue compared to other regular
beats such as crime and politics among others.
With this, it can be inferred that environmental reporting are not much in the two
local publications as it only arises when certain event/ issue breaks. This corroborates the
statement of PEJI (1988) that environmental stories are not much emphasized in local as
well as national publications.
Dominant Source of Information
Figures 2 and 3 show the dominant sources of information of the articles published
in Zigzag Weekly and Baguio Chronicle, respectively. The source of information was
determined in terms of the voices reflected.
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
Out of the 56 environmental articles in Zigzag Weekly, a total of 41 (73.21%)
articles were from official voices, usually from government officials while Baguio
Chronicle had 33 (71.74%) out of 46 articles analyzed.
A sample of these articles from official voices is shown below.
With Executive Order No. 23 which declared a moratorium on cutting trees
in natural and residual forest areas, the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) has allotted P2-million for the wages of Bantay Gubat
personnel and extension officers in the region.
This was the pronouncement of DENR-CAR Regional Director Clarence
Baguilat adding that this is a way to protect the future for future generations.
Results also show that both newspapers used a combination of the different sources
of information. Zigzag had 12 (21.43%) articles that came from a combination of the
different sources of information while Chronicle had 10 (21.74%) articles.
Zigzag Weekly got most of their information from both official voices and
technical people which include environment specialists and academic researchers. On the
other hand, Baguio Chronicle combined the use of official voices and documents such as
written researches of academic scholars.
The figure also shows that Zigzag Weekly had a low percentage on technical
people, or the masses, or from documents while Baguio Chronicle took none from the
masses, as well as from technical people.
Previous research results show that government officials are still the primary source
of information for journalists may it be a regular beat or a specialized/developmental topic.
In the case of environmental reporting in Zigzag Weekly and Baguio Chronicle, both
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
newspapers had high percentage on official voices. These include government offices and
officials. This result asserts the statement of Listino (2003) that official voice, a form of
traditional source of information, is still the primary source for journalists as of today.
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
official voices
masses
documents
technical people Official voices and
Technical people
Figure 2.Dominant Source of Information of article published in Zigzag Weekly
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
official voices
masses
documents
technical people official voices and
documents
Figure 3. Dominant Source of Information of article published in Baguio Chronicle
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
Article Treatment
Meanwhile, it can be noted that for both Zigzag Weekly and Baguio Chronicle,
reporting for the environment is given importance as their articles were treated in such a
way that an issue is introduced and is explained for the readers.
Table 1 shows that the environmental articles in Zigzag Weekly and Baguio
Chronicle were mostly treated as news feature with 62.5% and 54.35%, respectively.
Straight news was second in rank for both of the newspapers. Zigzag Weekly had
11 (19.64%) while Baguio Chronicle had 12 (26.09%).
On the other hand, both newspapers had a low percentage of opinion, feature and
editorial articles.
This result may be connected to the problems faced by some journalists as stated
by Ofelia Empian and Jessa Mardy Polonio. Both of these journalists from Baguio
Chronicle said that they had a difficult time looking for a proper source of information for
their environmental stories. According to them, less time in researching and interviewing
more credible sources for their environmental stories, including their deadline, caused them
to treat their articles as straight news or news feature if given more time.
This result corroborates the study of Kindipan (2004) that local newspapers have
less feature articles, therefore, they should publish more in-depth features or opinion
articles to explain and interpret an issue in a detailed manner.
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
Table 1. Treatment of Articles in the two publications
ARTICLE TREATMENT
ZIGZAG WEEKLY
BAGUIO CHRONICLE
N=56
N=46
PERCENTAGE
PERCENTAGE
Straight news
11 19.64%
12 26.09%
News feature
35 62.5%
25 54.35%
Feature
2 3.57%
3 6.52%
Editorial
2 3.57%
2 4.35%
Column/opinion
6 10.71%
4 8.7%
Example of this article from Baguio Chronicle is shown below:
The city, thru the Environment and Parks management Office or CEPMO,
is embarking on a strategy to help clean the city’s water ways and tributaries of
wastes while providing alternative means of clean energy for households.
The alternative technology introduced is the ‘bio-digesters’ or a device to
collect methane gas from animal manure and other wastes. It works best when
fuelled with pig manure but human waste and other biodegradable materials can
also be used in extracting bio-gas at the same time producing high-quality
fertilizer as by-product…
Bio-digesters can be used by residents who are near rivers and canals so
they won’t dump their liquid wastes directly into it…
Article Placement
Most of the time, an article is placed in a certain space of a newspaper based on its
perceived significance to the readers’ lives. Also, it is perceived to be of greater importance
when it is placed on the headlines.
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
In the case of the two publications content analyzed, Table 2 shows that both
publications placed their environmental articles in the inside pages with Zigzag Weekly
having 47 (83.93%) out of 56 articles while Baguio Chronicle had 41 (89.13%).
Results also show that selected articles were seen on the front page. These were
usually highly controversial issues about the environment covered by both publications.
An example of the environmental article placed on the headlines is the trash slide incident
in Baguio City. According to Quintos of the Baguio Chronicle, this was placed on their
front pages because of its great impact and prominence to the readers. This issue was placed
on the front page of both newspapers and remained in the same page for about two
consecutive volumes.
Few of the several topics usually covered by both publications placed in the
headlines are usually about controversial matters on the city’s politics and economic issues,
mainly about price hikes of goods and services. These topics cover the front pages because
of its relevance to the readers of both publications as said by Quintos of Baguio Chronicle
and Atty. Pekas of Zigzag Weekly and so environmental issues cannot compete with it.
Meanwhile, no articles were placed as fillers to both publications.
Baguio Chronicle does not have any article in the back page because it is meant for
advertisement purposes only while Zigzag Weekly has two (3.57%).
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
Table 2. Placement of articles in the two publications
PLACEMENT OF ARTICLES
ZIGZAG WEEKLY
BAGUIO CHRONICLE
N=56 PERCENTAGE
N=46 PERCENTAGE
Front page
7 12.5%
5 10.87%
Back page
2 3.57%
- -
Inside page
47 83.93%
41 89.13%
This result shows that both publications give importance to environmental issues
in terms of its placement in their publication.
Inclusion of Illustrations/Photographs
Both newspapers included photos to articles mostly found on the headlines.
Only four (7.14%) of the articles in Zigzag Weekly were accompanied with visuals,
all of which were photographs with captions. Three of these were headlines with
photographs that showed overall scene and one feature story showing people in action.
Results also showed that seven (15.22%) articles published in Baguio Chronicle
have visuals. These include five (10.87%) articles, three headlines and two feature stories
with photos showing overall scene and there were also two (4.35%) editorial articles with
editorial cartoon included in it.
Articles on the inside pages of the two publications did not included photos in it.
On the other hand, photographs placed before headline articles indicated that both
were stressing the impact of the issue and they were letting people understand more the
situation of the city.
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
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Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
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Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
This affirms the study of Dinamling (2007) which emphasizes the relevance of
using illustrations or photographs in print media. She stated that an inclusion of a
photograph or illustration in a story is important to help readers that even those with low
education understand more the story. Althiede (1996) as cited by Listino (2003) noted that
the use of picture is another form of framing information, convey and simplify a desired
message
s
Plate 3. Sample of article with photograph
Figure 6. Sample of article with photograph
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
Figure 7. Sample of Editorial cartoon
Field of Environment Covered
Figures 4 and 5 show the dominating fields in environment covered by Zigzag
Weekly and Baguio Chronicle.
The environmental articles were analyzed according to the different fields set by
the researcher, as covered by both publications. These articles were classified as social,
ecological, educational, economic, agricultural, health, political and cultural concern.
Social concern. Based on the parameters set for this study, articles that focused on
social concern were those that talked about the effects of environmental issues to the
attitudes, behaviours of individuals which took the interests, intentions, or needs of other
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
people into account. Also, these could be articles tackling actions and activities of people
that have an impact to the environment.
Both newspapers had high percentage of environmental articles on social concern.
Some of the articles of both publications covered the issue on how people can help save
the environment through social responsibility as it is a collective duty. Zigzag Weekly had
24 (42.86%) while Baguio Chronicle had 14 (30.43%) articles (see Appendix C, K).
Ecological concern. Articles on ecology, based on the parameters set for this study,
talked about the connection of environmental issues to the elements surrounding it.
Fourteen articles (25%) in Zigzag Weekly and 11 (23.91%) in Baguio Chronicle
were on ecological concern. Most of these articles discussed about the present situation of
the ecology (see Appendix D, L).
Educational concern. Articles on educational concern inform its readers on another
environmental issue. It may also talk about new advances in the field of environment that
gives learning to readers.
Few of the articles content analyzed were classified under this. Only five (10.87%)
articles in Baguio Chronicle were on educational concern while Zigzag Weekly had two
(3.57%). These articles discussed climate change (see Appendix F, M).
Economic concern. Five (8.93%) articles in Zigzag Weekly are on economics while
Baguio Chronicle has none. These articles talked about the correlation of the present
situation of environment and its effects on economics as set by the researcher (see Appendix
E).
Agricultural concern. Articles that fall under agricultural concern, based on the
parameters set for this study, talked about the effects of environment to agriculture.
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
Result shows that there were only few articles that fall under this field. Both
newspapers showed low percentage of articles under this aspect with only four (7.14%) in
Zigzag Weekly while Baguio Chronicle has only one (2.17%) article.
The result backs the result of the study of Dinamling (2007) where environment is less
focused in writing some local publications (see Appendix G, N).
Health concern. Environmental reports have less percentage focus on this aspect.
Both publications only have two articles each. These articles usually talked about the effect
of environment to the health of people based on the criteria set by the researcher (see
Appendix H, O).
Political concern. Articles in this aspect were quite more in number compared to
health and agricultural concern. Four were in Zigzag Weekly and five were in Baguio
Chronicle. These tackled issues on the actions of the government in helping lessen
environmental degradation. Most likely, these were about some laws to help save the
environment based on the criteria set by the researcher (see Appendix I, P).
Cultural concern. Articles under this aspect had the lowest percentage for both
publications. The articles included here were about the relationship of customs, beliefs,
social norms, and material traits of a religious, social or racial group with environmental
issues based on the parameters set by the researcher. The articles discussed the good effects
of Cordillera Indigenous practices in preserving the environment (see Appendix J, Q).
Generally, the findings show that the dominating field in environmental reporting
in both local publications is more on social concern. This is mainly because of the expected
elements of an environmental article as enumerated by Atty. Pekas. These include being
objective, balance, should have a great impact to a large number of people, should have
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
prominence, as well as proximity. All of these is an implication that environmental
reporting is a social issue, thus classified under social concern.
Ecological concern could also be noted for its high percentage as shown in the
results.
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Economic
Social
Cultural
Political
Ecological Educational
Health
Agricultural
Figure 8. Fields of Environment covered in Zigzag Weekly
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Economic
Social
Cultural
Political
Ecological Educational
Health
Agricultural
Figure 9. Fields of Environment covered in Baguio Chronicle
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
Section of Newspaper where most
Environmental Articles are Found
Using the coding sheet, the section of newspaper where most environmental article
can be found was identified.
Figures 6 and 7 show the section of newspaper where most environmental articles
can be found in Zigzag Weekly and Baguio Chronicle, respectively. The former had 40
(71.43%) articles found on the news page, six (10.71%) on the headline, and six (10.71%)
on the opinion page.
Chronicle had 29 (63.04%) found in the news page, five on the feature page, four
(8.70%) on the headline, and four (8.70%) on the opinion page.
Based on the results, it is perceived that like any other regular beats, environment
reports were also placed in the news page. This is linked to the result in the treatment of
environmental articles that because of certain problems of writers on information source
and deadline, they treat environmental articles as straight news and news feature thus,
placed on the news page.
On the other hand, fewer articles were found on the headlines. These were usually
environmental issues that were very controversial and had great impact to the society
according to the editors.
Opinion pages and feature pages also had less environment reports on it. These
reports were published at the time a very controversial issue occurred. This reverses the
statement of Dashefsky (1993) that environmental issues are most commonly found in the
opinion pages. In the case of Zigzag Weekly and Baguio Chronicle, environmental articles
did not have much space in the opinion page.
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Headline
News page
Editorial page Opinion page
Sports page
Others (Feature
page)
Figure 10. Sections of newspaper where environmental articles in Zigzag Weekly are
found
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Headline
News page
Editorial page Opinion paage
Sports page
Feature page
Figure 11. Section of newspaper where environmental articles in Baguio Chronicle are
found
Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
ANNA MARIE F. APRIL 2012
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12
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Environmental Coverage of Two Local Weekly Newspapers in Baguio City | BAUTISTA,
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Challenges of Both Publications
in Environmental Reporting
From the interview with Zigzag Weekly editor-in-chief Atty. Antonio Pekas,
Baguio Chronicle associate editor Sly Quintos and Larry Madarang, Jessa Mardy Polonio
and Ofelia Empian, three reporters of Baguio Chronicle, some challenges faced by both
publications were identified.
Space limitations. According to Atty. Pekas, considering the space to be occupied
by stories, not all environmental issues were covered by Zigzag Weekly.
The need for more in-depth stories and explanation about an environmental issue
causes it not to be tackled by the publication. He said that there were more controversial
issues that affect a larger number of people rather than an environmental story.
Technicality and complexity. One of the problems enumerated by the reporters of
Baguio Chronicle was the technicality and complexity of an environmental issue.
According to Madarang, because of its wide coverage, he is having a difficult time
covering an environmental issue. He need to understand the issue for himself first before
writing it. He said that he cannot be considered an effective conveyer of information to his
readers if he himself does not understand the topic he is writing on.
With this problem, Quintos advised the reporters to do a lot of researches. The
technicality of an environmental issue according to him may be best explained and
understood by researching for the meaning of some highly-technical words. Moreover,
Quintos said that journalists should also choose the information so that the readers can
understand well the published story. He further emphasized this by saying that “Reporting
is actually educating the people.”
Deadline. One of the main problems stated by Empian and Polonio is the
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deadline. They said that tough deadlines cause them to rush in gathering information, and
at times, they disregard the use of researches for their articles.
As a result of this, they treat their articles as straight news and news feature. They
have less explanation for environmental issues, and so, some are complicated to
understand.
Source of Information. Another problem these journalists faced was their source of
information. Polonio and Empian, being budding journalists, were having difficult time
gathering information because some of their intended sources were hesitant in bringing out
information.
Moreover, they do not know whom to interview for their environmental topic. Of
the several possible sources of information, they were confused on where to find the most
reliable sources.
According to PEJI (1988), using several sources of information is important for
environmental reporting. However, reporters assigned to cover general events use only one
or two sources mainly because of short deadlines and that these reporters often do not know
where to find knowledgeable sources. They further emphasized that “general assignment”
reporters do not have much time to build up sources, even local ones, who can help them
interpret technical information.
Negative reporting. Quintos said that negative reporting is another problem that
many budding journalists do. He emphasized that one must not be an alarmist. Alarmist,
according to him, is someone who writes an issue in a negative manner as to distress its
readers.
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He said that negative thoughts should not always be a part of the article. Although
negative information cannot be avoided, a journalist must be balanced, and objective in
reporting. Quintos emphasized that the reporters should also bring the positive side of an
environmental issue so that in one way or another, education among the readers may still
be present.
This can be asserted by PEJI’s statement that editors could help overcome their
tendency towards negative reporting by being an educator and explaining that
environmental reporting is a long-term issue, not just a series of crises. They added that
journalists should write articles on positive environmental happenings, even if these are
small steps on a very long road to a final solution. These small steps according to them are
newsworthy and are giving readers a sense that something is being done to preserve the
environment.
Lack of Environmental Reporters and Financial crisis. Last important problem
faced by both publications is the lack of environmental reporters as related to financial
crisis.
According to Atty. Pekas, he assigns general assignment reporters to cover
environmental issues and does not hire specialized beat reporters because it will mean more
finances to them.
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SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
This study was conducted to compare the environmental coverage of Zigzag
Weekly and Baguio Chronicle. Specifically, it determined the dominant source of
information of the articles published; compared the nature of environmental articles in
terms of treatment, placement, inclusion of illustrations and photographs, and frequency of
articles; determined the dominating fields in environment mostly covered by the two local
weekly newspapers, and; determined the section of the newspaper where most
environmental articles can be found.
Following the principles of content analysis, a modified coding sheet instrument
was used to assess and compare the environmental coverage of the two local weekly
newspapers.
A total of 102 articles were coded from January to February 2012 in two local
weekly newspapers, Zigzag Weekly and Baguio Chronicle. The environmental articles
coded were published from January 2011 to December 2011. Fifty-six articles were
published in Zigzag Weekly and forty six articles were published in Baguio Chronicle.
These articles were content analyzed.
For the frequency of articles, both publications did not have an environmental
article on every issue. Articles were written and published at the time the story came out
and some follow-ups were also present.
The dominant sources of information of the articles published were categorized
according to official voices, masses, technical people, and documents. Most of the
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information in the articles both in Zigzag Weekly and Baguio Chronicle came from official
voices and a combination of the different sources.
On the nature of coverage, most articles both in Zigzag Weekly and Baguio
Chronicle were treated as news feature. For the placement, most environmental articles in
Zigzag Weekly and Baguio Chronicle were found on the inside pages.
Few of the articles in both publications had photographs as well as illustrations on
it. In Zigzag Weekly, there were only four articles with photographs, all of which had
captions and showed overall scene. These articles were mostly placedin the headlines. In
Baguio Chronicle, seven articles included photos and illustrations. Five had photographs,
all with caption and mostly showed overall scene. Two had editorial cartoons included in
the editorial articles.
The dominating field of environment covered by Zigzag Weekly were on social,
ecological and economic concern while Baguio Chronicle focused on social, ecological
and educational concern.
The section of the newspaper where most environmental articles found in Zigzag
Weekly and Baguio Chronicle was the news page.
For the challenges faced by both publications in environmental reporting, both
publications said that there problems were space limitations, technicality and complexity
of an environmental issue, tough deadlines, where to find reliable source of information,
negative reporting, and lack of environmental reporters and financial crisis.
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Conclusions
Based on the results, the following conclusions were derived:
1. Environmental articles are not much emphasized in local publications based on
the analysis of the study.
2. Government offices and officials are still considered by most reporters as reliable
source of information.
3. Placement of articles depends on the criteria set by the publication.
Environmental stories are not mostly seen in opinion pages but treated as news or news
feature stories.
4. The use of photographs and illustrations vary from one publication to another
depending on the impact of the photo.
5. Selection of stories under the different fields of environmental reporting depends
on the impact of the story being covered.
6. Challenges faced by local publications in environmental reporting are several
and varied; from the topics, the writers themselves, as well as the editors of the publications
covering it.
Recommendations
Based on the derived conclusions, the researcher recommends the following:
1. The two publications may consider the inclusion of the voice of the masses in
environmental articles to better understand how an issue affects the people.
2. The two community newspapers may include more illustrations, photographs or
graphics in environmental stories for the people to perceive or understand more the story
in particular and the present situation of the environment in general.
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3. Community newspapers may consider publishing more environmental articles to
educate and inform the people since print is still considered by a large number of people as
reliable source of information.
4. Budding journalist may opt to undergo trainings about environmental reporting
to overcome their problem on technicality and complexity of environmental issues.
5. Related study should also be conducted in other local and national publications
to check how environmental issues are being covered to assert the information stated in
this research.
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