†People Power 1: The Role of Communication in a Crisis†
✔The Philippine Revolution of 1986, from 22-25 February,
has been acclaimed the first televised revolution in a history. People from all
over the world, were glued in their television sets, watching in awe and
admiration, as million of Filipinos fought a strange revolution. Not with guns
and bullets, but with bare hands, rosaries, religious images, hymns, placards,
prayers, flowers, song & faith.
✔The world watched it live, with bated breath, with wide
open eyes, through the modern telecommunication and mass communication. About
1,000 foreign correspondents from all over the world were there to cover it.
ヅRadio and television, particularly, led in the election
coverage because of their immediacy
ヅRadio Veritas and the alternative press had the highest
credibility ratings among the mass media, thus it was the people were already
tuned the radio sets, and it reached a crescendo on February 22, 1986.
➦ ➦ ➡ ➸ ➙ ➛
★1.World wide Coverage: Because of modern
telecommunications and mass communication technology, the snap revolution and
the events immediately preceding it were extensively covered by news agencies.
✪2. Role of Radio: Played a primordial role in a crisis-in
reporting events as they happened , in airing public opinion, in serving as the
communication link among the leaders of the revolution between the rebel
leaders and the people, and among the people themselves.
★3. Radio Veritas: Among the radio stations,. Radio Veritas
was preeminent. This was mainly because the Catholic radio station's
credibility built over the years, probably starting with its reporting of
Aquino assassination in 1983.
✪4. Role of Television: A major role, but still secondary
to radio was played by television, It was carrying the Marcos line during the
campaign and the counting of votes. But when TV 4 was finally captured by the
rebels, it became their communication center in Metro Manila and helped
catalyze public opinion for President Cory Aquino.
★5. People Power: This phenomenon inspired the production
of books and the production of video tapes to record these events for
posterity. The Philippine Experience, A videotape by Communication foundation
for asia and people power.
✪6. Interpersonal Communication: By word of mouth or by
telephone, people in Metro Manila area and throughout the country spread the
word and extended the reach of the mass media.
★7. Role of Print Media: It provided more details, more
human interest stories about the revolution. more in depth analysis, and
certainly a more permanent record of the times which people could refer their
grandchildren with pride in years to come.
