IAD hosts first Aliw Broadcast Media Congress

The Contact Center Circle (CCC), in partnership with ALIW Broadcasting Corporation, together with the Institute of Arts and Design - Student Council, Film Society, and Institute of Arts and Design (IAD), held its first collaborative event titled “ALIW Broadcast Media Congress 2025” at the UMak Auditorium last February 12.

Broadcast Media Congress (BMC) is an annual event where aspiring media practitioners and journalists learn from industry professionals on diverse topics such as radio production, content creation, and media platforms programming from DWIZ 882, Home Radio 97.9, and ALIW Channel 23. BMC allowed students to become news anchors in the short Newscoop, wherein they were mentored on their news presentation during a TV program.

BMC opened its doors to insightful career experts to educate the audience on the changing media landscape; one such message came from the University President, Professor Elyxzur C. Ramos. He narrated the uncertainties of the media industry with the ongoing threats that journalists face and circumstances that the country faces as the Philippines debt rose to P16.09 trillion in November as our peso continues to depreciate, the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, the rising of food prices, and allegations of theft and corruption in our official system continue to impede the progress of the country.

“There is hope. And that hope is actually you. Especially at this time of darkness, where fake news is rampant. We can actually be bearers of light and bearers of truth,” Prof. Ramos reminds the students to be vigilant in identifying and sharing information to guide the people to a prosperous country in this time of crisis. Not to become confused, careless, and not knowing what to ask and what to do, but to become the bearers of truth as we are part of this noble profession.

Additionally, Executive Vice President and General Manager of ALIW, Atty. McNeil M. Rante mentioned in his message that media plays a crucial role in shaping our society in the changing times; it changes how people consume news, entertainment, and information from media platforms. The media industry is demanding not only in terms of skills and creativity but also in the fight for principles and great responsibility to bring out the right information.

BMC’s audiences were enlightened with the remarkable story of #PambansangInspirasyon, Mr. Lloyd A. Luna, a popular Asian Filipino motivational speaker in the Philippines. A television and radio host on ALIW Channel 23 and DWIZ 8823AM shared his expertise in leadership, career development, and goal setting and provided insights on life’s unexpected challenges and career opportunities.

From mastering the basics of journalism to mastering the art of radio programming, News Desk Editor and Radio Host of ALIW, Mr. John Andrew Nacino provided his insights on going back to the basics of journalism. ABC’s of News Writing: Accuracy, Brevity, Clarity, and the inverted pyramid, as these elements and structure, provide journalists efficiency in verifying facts and information to inform, educate, and entertain the masses.

Following the discussion, the Senior Marketing Manager at Havas Market, Mr. Mark Magallanes enlightened the participants on the impacts of public relations and digital marketing. Since the emergence of TikTok as a new media source of information for Gen Zs, Filipino TikTok stars and influencers are also disseminating news without fact-checking due to Gen Z's short attention span; they prefer the consumption of social media platforms instead of news outlets like GMA, Philippine Star, ABS-CBN, etc.

“Media is about us, to be heard and understood,” he added, as our stories should empower the responsible use of media in shaping public opinion and raising awareness.

Program Specialist of 979 Home Radio, Mr. Johann Abando emphasized that in FM production and planning, content creation is a crucial key in engaging listeners to your brand. In radio programs, this refers to the overall content broadcasted over a radio station. Radio formats are based on demographic criteria; programming strategy influences which advertise the station’s track and service.

“We can produce content that is visually appealing but without meaning, without focus on what matters to each and every one of us. Content is useless; we need to strive for meaningful conversations,” Vice President for Business Development at ABC, Mr. Dennis Antenor mentioned in his discussion on creating content for audiences based on demographic profiles from income class brackets in selecting news stories for TV programs.

Aside from providing a lineup of speakers, Waltz Band, Jonn Walter serenaded the crowd with his newest singles for Valentine’s Day. ALIW provided its own sponsors: MX3, Tolak Angin, and Enchanted Kingdom to further motivate participants to engage during the event.