‘Inquirer Campus Talks’ highlights old values amid changing media
Over a hundred participants gathered at Ateneo de Manila University (Admu) on Feb. 11 for the 2026 opening leg of Inquirer Campus Talks, “Storytelling in Journalism: Skills for the Modern Newsroom,” which focuses on what it takes to succeed in today’s fast-changing media world.
Inquirer managing editor Robert Abaño emphasized the ethics of reporting while Arlene Burgos, director of the Asian Center for Journalism at Admu and chief content officer of Inquirer Interactive Inc., shared the company’s growth, both empowering students to become truth warriors amid the proliferation of fake news.
Journalists’ obligation
Abaño told aspiring print and online journalists that they “must be in the eye of the storm,” highlighting the need to be present to get the full picture of the story and ensure all details are correct.
He highlighted how print journalism favors patience and precision, letting reporters double-check details before publication. Digital platforms, on the other hand, demand immediacy.
Even with limited mass readership, newspapers continue to influence many policymakers who value credibility, Abaño said.
Audience trust
Burgos reflected on how Inquirer.net’s site has grown far beyond its early role.
“Over the years, the website has evolved from just mirroring the newspaper’s content to being more of a dynamic breaking news platform and digital news repository it is today,” she said.
Inquirer Interactive Inc. chief operating officer for print Rudyard Arbolado said the Inquirer champions conversations that bridge the classroom and the real world.
He said that in a time when trust in news is challenged and technology is reshaping how stories are told, the future of journalism will rely not just on tools, but on the principles and integrity of those who tell them.
“To the students here today who will be the leaders of tomorrow: your curiosity and sense of responsibility will shape the future of our media and our democracy,” he said.
Inquirer’s Campus Talks aims to bridge the gap between academe and the media industry.
The program is in partnership with the Asian Center for Journalism and student group Ateneo Association of Communication Majors.
