Broadcast self-regulator eyes inclusion of content creators

Metro Manila, Philippines — The broadcasting industry’s self-regulating body is studying the possibility of including content creators such as vloggers to the association in response to the changing media landscape.

During the 50 Top-Level Management Conference of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) in Tagaytay City, the group president, Noel Galvez, said the medium is expanding.

"Nakikita nga natin na ang mga broadcasters ay hindi lang yung may hawak na radyo, hindi lang yung may telebisyon, kundi ito rin ay isang tao na nag bobroadcast siya [Broadcasting is going beyond radio and television; it is also a broadcaster] using the technology that is available right now," said Galvez in an interview with reporters.

He said expanding the definition of broadcaster to vlogger is not limited to a single person. “It can be organizations na yun ang ginagawa nila [that are engaged in vlogging]," he added.

Galvez said there is no opposition among KBP members to widen the scope of membership to include content creators.

"Pagdating sa pag-bobroadcast na guidelines kung makakasama pati yung mga vloggers sa magiging responsable just imagine kung ano magiging effect nito sa mga community natin hindi na tayo maghahanap ng iba pa," said Galvez.

[Translation: Just imagine if vloggers will be covered by the guidelines on responsible broadcasting and the impact this would have on the community; we won’t be looking for more.]

"Dahil alam na natin na ang napapanood natin sa TV, social media o sa radio ay responsible," he added.

[Translation: We would be aware that there is someone responsible for the content that comes out on TV, social media, or radio.]

Jonathan de Santos, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines chairperson, welcomed the possibility that vloggers will be subjected to the KBP code of ethics and principles.

"We're generally for self-regulation in the industry," he said. "The challenge would be - as with any newsroom, organization or individual - compliance and monitoring."