1

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The right to freedom of expression is probably the most universally accepted human

right. The freedom of the press is considered to be the most important right which must be

protected in a democratic society. This freedom can only be available in a society where there is

a right to free speech and expression. Similarly, the freedom of information can be enjoyed only

if there are sources from which information can flow.

In the case of the press, it can be expressed in other ways, of course, held in good faith

and believed to be true.

Moreover, college students are attracted to journalism because they see it as an

occupation that can offer the possibility of making a difference through public service. It is

useless, when the press has no freedom to express their opinion. So students who have

inclination to this can learn best when they have freedom to follow their conscience, discover

what works for them and find their own voice. Thus, this study is conceived.

The Research Problem

This study sought to answer the following questions:

1. What are the demographic characteristics of the respondents?

2. What is the perception of the respondents on press freedom?

3. How deep is the concern of selected education students in this issue?

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Objectives of the Study

The study aimed to:

1. Determine the demographic characteristic of the respondents.

2. Find the perception of the respondents on press freedom.

Significance of the Study

Through this study, the selected education students who served as respondents can be

assed as to their perception about press freedom. It can also determine how much knowledge

they have gained about press freedom. This study will serve as basis for effecting changes

particularly in the press freedom.

Limitation of the Study

This study was limited to the perception of selected education students on press freedom.

Results of the study cannot provide the true picture of the students’ perception on press

freedom. Furthermore, the perception were limited only among education students and do not

include private motives.

 3

Operational Definition of Terms

Journalism.It isthe collecting, writing, editing, and presenting of news or news articles in

newspapers and magazines and in radio and television broadcasts.

Perception.This isknowledge of acquaintance with anything obtained through the senses.

Press.It isthe gathering and publishing of news in the form of newspapers or magazine.

Press Freedom.It is the freedom of communication and expression through vehicles

including various electronic media and published materials.

Respondents.They refer to selected education students who respond or reply to some

questions.

Selected Education Students. They serve as the respondents of the study

CHAPTER II
 4

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Bill Kovach (2001) stated in his book “The Element of Journalism” that, unless

journalists “reclaim the theory of a press”, they risk allowing their profession to disappear”.

Cappon, Rene T. , In his book, “The Word: Associated Press Guide to Good Writing”, he

warns that freedom gives new opportunities for the writer, particularly in the first several

paragraphs, the introduction.

Cecilliana(1997), According to her, freedom of the press is to be guarded as a vital right

to discuss whatever is not explicitly forbidden by law, including the wisdom of any restricted

statute.

John Merril (1997) stated in his book “Existential Journalism” emphasized the

importance of freedom of the individual journalist when he defined an autonomous journalist in

part as one who “accept and uses freedom personal and journalistic.

Sebastian (1994) stated that newspaper invariably invoke press freedom when they

restricted in any phase of the activity which involves the task of gathering, publishing and

distributing the news. In its broadest sense, press freedom means popular and governmental

acceptance of the right to operate a newspaper without fear of punishment.

Thomas I. Emerson (1986) in his book, “Freedom of the Press” he said that in general,

the constitutional issues involving freedom of the press is similar to those pertaining to other

aspects of freedom of expression. However, certain areas are of special interest to the press,

particularly to the mass media.

Thomas Jefferson one of the founding fathers of America once said that the press is a

necessary evil in a democracy.

CHAPTER III
 5

METHODOLOGY

Locale of the Study

The study was conducted from February to March 2011 at Western Philippines University

Aborlan, Palawan.

Research Design

A descriptive research design, specifically the survey method was used in the study

Respondents of the Study

The respondents of the study were the 35selected education students of Western

Philippines University during school year 2010-2011

Sampling Procedure

The researchers used the convenient sampling.

The Research Instrument

The researchers used questionnaire in gathering the data.

Procedure for Data Collection

A survey questionnaire was administered to thirty five students selected education

students in Western Philippines University. The respondents were asked to indicate the extent to

which they AGREE or DISAGREE on the statements presented.

The respondents were made to rate according to the following rating scale: SA-strongly

agree, A-agree, D-disagree, SD-strongly disagree.

Each response has equivalent point as follows:

 6

Numerical Rating Adjectival Rating

3.51 – 4.00 Strongly Agree

2.51 – 3.50 Agree

1.00 – 1.50 Disagree

1.51 – 2.50 Strongly Disagree

Procedure for Data Analysis

The data in this study were analyzed using the following statistical tools and analysis.

Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and means were used to determine the

perception of the students on press freedom.

CHAPTER IV
 7

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Demographic characteristics of the respondents as to their age, sex, civil status, course and

year, annual family income, and home address.

Table 1 shows the demographic profile of the respondents.

As to their Age; 29 (83%) of the respondentswere in the age bracket of 16-20, 4 (11%) of

the respondents were in the age bracket of 21-25; one (3%) was in the age bracket of 26-30, and

1 (3%) was within 36-40. The mean age of the respondents was 18.74 years old.

As to their Sex; 19 (26%) of the respondents are males, while 26 (74%)of the respondents

are females.

With regards to their Civil Status, all of the respondents (100%) are single. As totheir

course, 16 (46%) are BEEd while, 19 (54%) of the respondents are BSEd. As to their curricular

year, 15 (43%) of the respondents are 1st year, 9 (26%) are 2nd year, and 11 (31%) are 3rd year.

Their income,ranging from10-150,000 annually in which had an estimated Average Income

ranging from 31-60,000. Eighteen (51%) had an average income between 31-60,000; 7 (20%)

91-120,000, 5 (14%) were within the income bracket of 10-30,000.

With regards their home address by municipality, 12 (34%) were from municipality of

Aborlan, 12 (34%) were from Narra, and 3 (9%) were from Batarazaand the rest were from

Quezon, Roxas, Rizal and Puerto Princesa.

Table 1 Demographiccharacteristicsoftherespondents
 8

Characteristics f (n=35) %
Age
16-20 29 83.12
21-25 4 11.04
26-30 1 3.00
36-40 1 3.00
Average age: 18.74 years old

Sex
Male 19 26.30
Female 26 74.21

Civil Status
Single 35 100.00

Course
BEEd 16 46.32
BSEd 19 54.41

Curricular year
1st 15 43.20
2nd 9 26.03
3rd 11 31.02

Annual Income
10-30,000 5 14.16
31-60,000 18 51.27
61-90,000 4 11.18
91-120,000 7 20.33
121-150,000 1 3.00

Home Address
Aborlan 12 34.14
Narra 12 34.14
Espanola 2 6.40
Bataraza 3 9.30
Rizal 1 3.00
Quezon 2 6.40
Roxas 2 6.40
P.P.C 1 3.00

Perception of the respondents on Press freedom

 9

Table 2 shows that the respondents strongly agreed on the following statements: the press

should present the truth about any event or issue, (3.68) item 14, the press must also consider

accuracy, fairness, objectivity, and good taste in making reports, (3.57) item 17, the freedom of

the press is considered to be the most important right which must be protected in a democratic

society, (3.63) item 19, news reporters should verify the facts. gathered before making press

release,(3.66) item 20, the press needs public support and intelligent criticism both from the

news organization and from its readers, (3.69).

This implies that the respondents knew the most important things to consider in

exercising freedom of the press.

For item 2, the information that they always gather is incomplete or just a bare sketch of

what the reality , the respondents rated agree with 3.00 mean rating; item 3, the ethical journalist

resorts only to fair and honest method in gathering the news, (3.37) item 4, the press shall not

violate confidential information or material given in the time of exercises, (3.34) item 6, the

press after all is a public service with constitutional immunity, (2.74) item 8, another weakness of

the press is being manipulated by the politicians, (3.11) item 9, freedom of the press is to be

guarded as a vital right of mankind, (3.29) item 10, in other words the reporter has powerful

instruments in his hands. (2.91) item 11, the press insert its own personal opinion, the (2.66) item

13, press shall let personal motives or interest influence them in the performance of their duties,

(2.51) item 15, using the journalistic profession as a stepping stone to more lucrative jobs,

(2.97) item 16, the authority of the press has been long recognized, accepted and supported,

(3.26) item 18, the press can express opinion of others of course, held in good faith and believed

to be true (3.43). This implies that the respondents knew some of the important things to consider

in press freedom.
 10

For item 5, the journalist should write or use his profession to obtain favor for himself or

members of his family, the respondents rated disagree with 1.6 mean rating. This implies that the

respondents had no idea of the important things to consider in press freedom.

For item 7, a newspaper should invade private rights or feelings without sure warrant of

public right as distinguished from public curiosity, the respondents rated strongly disagree with

2.06 mean rating, item 12, the journalist will write a news story that he knows is not truthful, the

respondents rated strongly disagree with 2.8 mean rating. This implies that the respondents were

against the untoward work of the press.

The result further showed that the respondents agreed inalmost all the statements. This

implies that selected education students in Western Philippines University were oriented on press

freedom.

Table 2 Mean Ratings of Selected Education students in Western Philippines University

regarding Press Freedom.
Statements SA A D SD Mean Interpretation
F % F % F % F %
1. The press should present the 26 74 7 20 2 6 0 0 3.68 SA
truth about any event or issue.

2. The information that they always 6 17 23 66 6 17 0 0 3.00 A

gather is incomplete or just a bare
sketch of what the reality is.

3. The ethical journalist resorts 14 40 20 57 1 3 0 0 3.37 A

only to fair and honest method in
gathering the news.

4. The press shall not violate 13 37 21 60 1 3 0 0 3.34 A

confidential information or
material given in the time of
exercises.

5. The journalist should write or 2 6 3 8 9 26 21 60 1.6 D

 11

use his profession to obtain favor

for himself or members of his
family.

6. The press after all is a public 3 9 20 57 12 34 0 0 2.74 A

service with constitutional
immunity.

7. A newspaper should invade 7 3 9 26 16 46 9 26 2.06 SD

private rights or feelings without
sure warrant of public right as
distinguished from public curiosity.

8. Another weakness of the press is 12 34 16 46 6 17 1 3 3.11 A

being manipulated by the
politicians.

9. Freedom of the press is to be 10 29 25 71 0 0 0 0 3.29 A

guarded as a vital right of mankind.

10. In other words the reporter has 4 11 24 69 6 17 1 3 2.91 A

powerful instruments in his hands.

11. The press inserts its own 1 3 23 65 9 26 2 6 2.66 A

personal opinion.

12. The journalist will write a news 7 20 20 57 2 6 6 17 2.8 SD

story that he knows is not truthful.

13. Press shall let personal motives 6 17 12 34 11 31 6 17 2.51 A

or interest influence them in the
performance of their duties.

14. The press must also consider 23 65 9 26 3 9 0 0 3.57 SA

accuracy, fairness, objectivity, and
good taste in making reports.

15. Using the journalistic 10 29 14 40 11 31 0 0 2.97 A

profession as a stepping stone to
more lucrative jobs.

16. The authority of the press has 9 26 26 74 0 0 0 0 3.26 A

been long recognized, accepted and
supported.
 12

17. The freedom of the press is 22 63 13 37 0 0 0 0 3.63 SA

considered to be the most
important right which is must be
protected in a democratic society.

18. The press can express opinion 18 51 14 40 3 9 0 0 3.43 A

of others of course, held in good
faith and believed to be true.

19. News reporters should verify 25 71 8 23 2 6 0 0 3.66 SA

the facts gathered before making
press release

20. The press needs public support 24 69 11 31 0 0 0 0 3.69 SA

and intelligent criticism both from
the news organization and from its
readers.

CHAPTER V
 13

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECCOMENDATIONS

Summary

The study entitled “Perception of Selected Education Students on Press Freedom” was

conducted in February to March 2011. The respondents of the study were the selected education

students in Western Philippines University.

A descriptive research design was used in the study. Thirty five selected education

students served as respondents of the study, convenient sampling was used in the study.. In data

collection, the respondents were made to rate according to the following rating scale; SA-

strongly agree,D-disagree, SD-strongly disagree.The data in this study were analyzed using the

descriptive statistical such as frequencies,percentages and means to determine the perception of

the students on press freedom.

The demographic profile shows that majority(83%)of the respondents were within the age

bracket of 16-20 with an average age of 18.74 years old. Most (74%) of the respondents are

female, all (100%) single and in first year with asaverage income ranging from 31-60,000.

Mostly (34%) were from municipality of Aborlan and Narra.

Results further showed that selected education students in Western Philippines University

are oriented on press freedom.

Conclusion

Based on the results of the study, the researchers therefore conclude that selected

education students Western Philippines University had a wider knowledge on pressfreedom. It

can also be concluded that they were against the untoward practices of the media practitioners.

Recommendations
 14

The researchers recommend the following:

1. The press should continue serving the country through proper way of making news

without violating the law.

2. Researchers must develop new instrument in preparing questionnaires to better

evaluate the perception of selected education students on press freedom.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
 15

BOOKS

CECILLIANA.(1997). The journalist Freedom

JOHN MERRIL. (1997) Existential journalism

JOURNALS

BILL KOVACH. (2001). The Element of journalism

RENE T. CAPON. The Word; Associated Press Guide to God Writing

THOMAS I. IMERSON. (1986). Freedom of the Press

THOMAS JEFERSON. Press is a Necessary Evil

SEBASTIAN. Press Freedom Popular and Government Acceptance of the Right to

Operate a News Paper.

 16

APPENDICES

Republic of the Philippines

Western Philippines University
 17

Aborlan, Palawan

The Dean
College of Teacher Education
WPU Aborlan, Palawan

Madam:

We are the first year students of Western Philippines University, taking up Bachelor in
Secondary Education (BSEd). We are going to conduct our research entitled “Perception Of
Selected Education Students on Press Freedom”.

In this connection, we would like to request permission to conduct our research in our
own department.

Hoping for your approval on this research.

Respectfully Yours,

Joey Jane Dioso

Joan Quiamco

Reno Tomesa

JeneviveSimbajon

Divine Alabado

Jennifer Gatdula

Noted by:

Maria Concepcion J. Cayaon

Adviser

Approved:

Dr. Julie Hope Timotea P. Evina

Dean

Perception of Selected Education Students

 18

In Western Philippines University

On Press Freedom

I. Demographic Profile

Name: _________________________________Age :_______Sex:_____

Coarse & Year: ________________________Civil Status: ________

Home Address: ______________________Annual Family Income: ________________

II. Direction: Listed below are some statements regarding press freedom. For each item, please

indicate the extent to which you AGREE or DISAGREE with the statement presented. Please

respond to all items on statement below by placing a check (/) in the appropriate space under SA-

Strongly agree; A-Agree; D-Disagree; SD-Strongly disagree.

SA A D SD

1. The press should present the “truth about any event or issue”.

2. The information that they always gather is incomplete or “ just a bare

sketch of what the really is”.

3. The ethical journalist resorts only to fair and honest method in gathering
the news.

4. The press shall not violate confidential information or material given in

the time of their exercises.

5. The journalist should write or use his profession to obtain favors for
himself or members of his family.

6. The press after all, is “a public business performing a public service with
constitutional immunity”.

7. A newspaper should invade private rights or feelings without sure warrant

of public right as distinguished from public curiosity.

8. Another weakness of the press is being manipulated by politicians.

 19

9. Freedom of the press is to be guarded as a vital right of mankind.

10. In other words the reporter has powerful instruments in his hands.

11. The press inserts his own personal opinion.

12. The journalist will write a news story that he knows is not truthful.

13. Press shall let personal motives or interest influence them in the
performance of their duties.

14. The press must also consider accuracy, fairness, objectivity, and good
taste in making reports.

15. Using the journalistic profession as a stepping stone to more lucrative

jobs.

16. The authority of the press has been long recognized, accepted and
supported.

17. The freedom of the press is considered to be the most important right
which is must be protected in a democratic society.

18. The press can express opinion of others , of course, held in good faith
and believed to be true

19. News reporters should verify the facts gathered before making press
release.

20. The press needs public support and intelligent criticism both from the
news organization and from its readers.

PERCEPTION OF SELECTED EDUCATION STUDENTS

 20

ON PRESS FREEDOM

JOEY JANE C. DIOSO

JENEVIVE G. SIMBAJON
JENNIFER S. GATDULA
JOAN C. QUIAMCO
DIVINE C. ALABADO
RENO V. TOMESA

A SPECIAL PROBLEM SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE COLLEGE

OF TEACHER EDUCATION, WESTERN PHILIPPINES UNIVERSITY,
ABORLAN, PALAWAN IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF

BACHELOR IN SECONDARY EDUCATION

FEBRUARY 2011
 21

ABSTRACT

DIOSO, JOEY JANE CORPUZ, QUIAMCO, JOAN CEBUANO, TOMESA, RENO

VILLAREAL, ALABADO, DIVINE CABANILLAS, SIMBAJON, JENEVIVE
GERALDE, GATDULA, JENNIFER SOLITA, College of Teacher Education, Western
Philippines University, Aborlan, Palawan, February 2011 “ PERCEPTION OF
SELECTED EDUCATION STUDENTS ON PRESS FREEDOM”.

Adviser Prof. Maria Concepcion J. Cayaon

This study was conducted during the second semester of the school year 2010-2011. The

main objectives of this study are to determine the demographic characteristics of the respondents

and to find out the perception of the respondents on press freedom.

This study was conducted from February to march 2011 at Western Philippines

University Aborlan . Thirty five selected education students served as the respondents of the

study. Convenient sampling was used in sampling procedure through questionnaire in gathering

data.

In data collection the respondents were made to rate according to the following rating

scale: SA-strongly agree, A-agree, D-disagree, SD-strongly disagree. The data in this study were

analyzed using descriptive method. Statistical tools such as frequency counts, percentages and

means were used to find out the perception of selected education students on press freedom.

Results showed that majority (83%) of the respondents was in the age bracket of 16-20

with the average age of 18.74 years old. Most (74%) of the respondents are females and they are

all (100%) single.

Majorities (54%) was BSEd and most of them were first year with an average family

income ranging from 31-60,000. And most (34%) of them were from the municipality of Aborlan

and Narra.

iii
 22

Results finding show that the selected education students in Western Philippines

University are oriented that personal interest is bias and should not be done by the journalists in

their practice of duty.

iv
 23

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE i
ACKNOWLEDGMENT ii
ABSTRACT iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS v
LIST OF TABLES vi

CHAPTER 1

I. INTRODUCTION 1
Background of the Study 1
Statement of the Problem 1
Objectives of the Study 2
Significance of the Study 2
Limitation of the Study 2
Operational Definition of Terms 3

II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 4

III. METHODOLOGY 5
Locale of the Study 5
The Research Design 5
Respondents of the Study 5
Sampling Procedure 5
Research Instrument 5
Procedure for Data Collection 5
Procedure for Data Analysis 6

IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 7

V. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS 13

Summary 13
Conclusion 13
Recommendations 14

BIBLIOGRAPHY 15

APPENDICES 16
Appendix A: Letter of Request 17
Appendix B: Survey Instrument 18

v
 24

LIST OF TABLES

TABLES PAGE

1 Mean Rating of Selected Education Students' Perception on Press 8

Freedom

2 Mean Rating of Selected Education Students regarding to their 10

Demographic Profile as to their ages

vi
 25

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The researchers wishes to express their gratitude and sincerest thanks to all persons

behind their study not only for helping them but also supporting them.

To their loving parents; Mr. and Mrs. Joey Dioso, Mr. and Mrs. JuanitoQuiamco, Mr. and

Mrs. Robert Tomesa, Mr. and Mrs. DerloRagudo, Miss Rebecca Tana, and Mr. and Mrs. Eduardo

Gatdula for their financial support.

To their classmates and friends; jenevive, reno, vine, ann, jane, jen-gat, for their laughter

and support and to their boardmates, landladies, for their support.

And to the Almighty GOD, for the love and care and also guiding us to make this

research success.

Thank You!!!

The Researchers