Julius Babao
“The most challenging part of being a journalist these days is how to battle fake news,” said broadcast journalist Julius Babao, who signed up to join TV5’s news program “Frontline Pilipinas” early this month.
“This is actually a burden on all of our shoulders, particularly those of us who belong to mainstream media. We have to make sure we protect our credibility, our integrity so that when it’s time for us to talk publicly, we won’t appear like we have hidden agenda or that we’re biased toward a certain person or candidate,” he told reporters during a recent virtual gathering to formally welcome him to the Kapatid turf.
“Today, more than ever, we should be very careful of the information we share to our public. It’s hard because fake news, which is prevalent on social media, has an even wider reach,” Julius pointed out.
Tulfo replacement
Starting Feb. 7, Julius replaced Raffy Tulfo, who resigned to pursue a career as a public servant, as news anchor of “Frontline Pilipinas.” He shares the floor with longtime friend Cheryl Cosim.
“I’m happy to take part in this cause. I’m proud to say that I have not been tainted, I’ve never been associated with any issues of corruption or being biased for or against a particular candidate. I’m very careful when it comes to that. It’s really important to protect your credibility through the years, so that when situations like this happen, nothing bad can be said about you,” declared Julius, who boasts of over 30 years of journalistic experience.
The broadcaster said that in order to effectively combat fake news, “you really have to do your research. You shouldn’t just be contented with what you read or hear from online sources. ‘Wag magpapadala sa herd mentality, meaning, just because your family or friends say so you may consider them true,” Julius pointed out. “What’s important right now is to do research, watch mainstream news, and not get easily swayed by people’s commentaries that you read on social media. You have to be equipped with all the right information. TV5 and other mainstream news outlets really have a major role in achieving this goal.”
28-year stint
Julius started his journalistic career with GMA 7’s dzBB in 1990, before moving to ABS-CBN in 1993 as a reporter for its flagship newscast. He later anchored the station’s morning show with wife, Christine Bersola, in 1996 and then filled coanchor duties in various newscasts before finally wrapping up his 28-year stint with the Kapamilya network last year.
To leave his old home was not easy, according to Julius.
“However, I came to a point in my life and career wherein I felt the yearning to do things I’ve never done before,” he began. “After ABS-CBN lost its franchise, I stayed for two years but I felt that it’s about time to move on in relation to my career. I already felt complacent there, something that’s not good, so I said I needed to expand my wings. That’s when I started praying about it. I asked for intervention from all of my patron saints. I asked for guidance, for signs.”
He recalled: “Then came the time when I got to speak with colleague, Ma’am Luchi (Cruz-Valdes, chief of “News5”). That’s when my eyes got opened to the possibility of transferring to the Kapatid network. I got a message from her asking if I’m interested. I took that as a clear sign. That’s when our talks began.”
Luchi then explained why she offered the position to Julius.
“Well, when it comes to news, we go by the very classic qualifications. No. 1, he has to be a journalist, which Julius is no doubt a very credible one. He isn’t just a host. He began as a cameraman, and then he transferred to radio. That’s what’s good about this profession, the older you get, or the more veteran you become, the higher your credibility,” she began.
Worthy partner
“I got to work with Julius in public affairs. He knows how to make short- and long-form documentaries. He was also a crime investigation correspondent and host. He was “Mr. XXX.’ On top of that, he is also a good reader, as in anchor level. He is good at projecting his voice. He has all the qualities that we’re looking for in an anchor, a worthy partner for Cheryl,” said Luchi.
Aside from anchoring “Frontline Pilipinas,” Julius said he hoped to continue his mission of helping Filipinos through a program that aims to give assistance to select and deserving owners of small and medium scale enterprises while he is on TV5.
You can watch Julius’ broadcast on “Frontline Pilipinas” daily, at 5:30 p.m., live on TV5 and via livestream at News5 Facebook and YouTube pages.