#CourageON: Is there hope in a ‘dying’ industry?

“Ah! So reporter ka?” (Oh! So you’re a reporter?)

People often react like with this when I tell them I’m from Rappler, their eyes lighting up with recognition. Then I say no, I’m a content producer for sponsored pieces. I see their enthusiasm die down a bit, replaced by polite attention.

I brace myself whenever I say I’m from the sales and advertising team, which we call BrandRap. For those unfamiliar with the business model of media (or are just predisposed to spite), paid content in a news company can come off as...