Local newscast as impetus for dialogue
Sedfrey Cabaluna
Since I’m an adopted daughter of Iloilo, I was delighted to cover the launch of GMA Regional TV’s pioneering Hiligaynon news program, “One Western Visayas” (OWV), in Bachoy Republic.
The 30-minute newscast is produced in Iloilo and airs weekdays at 5 p.m., with simultaneous broadcast on TV-6 Guimaras and via satellite on TV-13 Bacolod, TV-10 Sipalay, TV-5 Roxas, TV-2 Kalibo and TV-7 Tablas.
The Kapuso newscast is anchored by lawyer Sedfrey Cabaluna, who will be joined by Adrian Prietos and Kaitlene Rivilla. “We remain firm in our belief that access to local news on free TV is a great equalizer,” says GMA Regional TV head Oliver Amoroso. “Local news plays an important role because it directly affects families and immediate communities.”
Sedfrey is a dead-ringer for Wendell Ramos. Yode (Hiligaynon expression that means wow)!
Here’s my chat with Sedfrey:
What’s the best and toughest part of being a newscaster? The best part of being a newscaster is being given the opportunity to be a medium through which people are informed of what’s happening in the community. We can be a watchdog and, at the same time, we can also be a guide dog, providing impetus for dialogue and debate.
Who’s your fave newscaster? I admire Jessica Soho for her discipline… I’d like to emulate Jay Taruc [for] his commitment to his craft.
How would you handle an interviewee telling you to keep a story off the record, even if it’s of national interest? If it is a matter of national interest, then it should take precedence over all our individual concerns. But, there’s always room for sensitivity. I’ll do my best to respect his preference.
What’s your take on fake news? This is where mainstream media plays an important role. Our viewers are assured that we will be guided by our values, ethical considerations, tenets of professionalism and self-regulation, which are important safeguards against sensationalism and inaccurate news.
Personal: Damo guid nga salamat to Oli Amoroso, Jojo Aquio, Bot Glorioso, my “ninong” Allan Tajanlangit, amigas Mitch Torres, Nette Tomeo, Amelia Dumalag, Migo Rey Pelongco (of my fave Y2K Resto) for such a fun prebirthday celebration in Iloilo. Also, happy birthday to my dearest “ninang” Jen Caberte.
