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| Left: former CNN Philippines Assistant Vice President for News Jose Maria G. Carlos Right: front cover of “On Air Na! Pinoy News Anchors Live!”, published by the University of Sto. Tomas (Image Source: Mindanao Chronicle/The Varsitarian) |
A First In Philippine Media: “On Air Na! Pinoy News Anchors Live!” Explores The Evolving World Of News Anchoring In The Philippines
Who is the credible Pinoy news anchor today? A cross-section of nearly 40 news anchors and news managers say the answer goes far beyond reading from a teleprompter. They stress that news anchoring is more than a performance craft. It is an institutional function tied to credibility, editorial judgement, and public trust.
Their insights form the backbone of “On Air Na! Pinoy News Anchors Live!”, newly published by the University of Santo Tomas and launched last December 15, 2025 at its Manila campus. Written by former CNN Philippines Assistant Vice President for News Jose Maria G. Carlos, the book captures the lived experiences, professional standards, and evolving realities of news anchoring in the country. It also shares the reflections of former ABS-CBN President Freddie Garcia, former CNN Philippines President Benjie Ramos, University of the Philippines Professor Emeritus of Broadcasting Dr. Elizabeth Enriquez, and Senator Loren Legarda who is a former news anchor of RPN-9 News and ABS-CBN. Among the 31 anchors featured are Korina Sanchez-Roxas and Pinky Webb of Bilyonaryo News Channel, former CNN Philippines anchors Pia Hontiveros and Rico Hizon, Luchi Cruz-Valdez and Julius Babao of TV5, Atom Araullo of GMA Network, and Alvin Elchico and Zen Hernandez of ABS-CBN. Collectively, they describe anchoring as a form of newsroom leadership. Anchors today are deeply involved in editorial decisions, story framing, and ensuring clarity in complex national issues. They are not merely presenters of information but interpreters of events in moments of crisis. Ten news managers and executive producers interviewed for the book emphasize that credibility is now an anchor’s most valuable asset. With audiences navigating misinformation, artificial intelligence tools, and the rapid rise of digital news influencers, anchors must demonstrate discipline, preparation, and ethical consistency.
Carlos explained, “These developments put to the test the role of news anchors as trusted sources of information. They must uphold ethical and professional standards, maintain mental and physical discipline, and contribute meaningfully to their network’s performance. I wanted to remind anchors of the crucial role they play in society and inspire a renewed commitment to excellence.” Several managers stress that anchors increasingly carry the burden of institutional trust. When viewers question the media, it is often the face on screen who absorbs the scrutiny. Their insights also reveal a profession in transition rather than obsolescence. As television’s dominance declines and multimedia platforms expand, anchors are expected to report in the field, engage audiences online, and adapt to digital storytelling formats. Yet the respondents consistently argue that technology should enhance — not replace — the anchor’s core function: verified, contextualized, and responsibly delivered information. The core expectations of accuracy, fairness, and public service remain intact. Beyond technical skill, many anchors speak about mental resilience, emotional intelligence, and physical discipline. In times of national emergencies, anchors must project calm authority while managing personal stress and public pressure. The book underscores a shared belief among participants: anchoring is a public trust. It demands integrity, preparation, and a continuous commitment to learning.
While “On Air Na! Pinoy News Anchors Live!” marks the first comprehensive Philippine guidebook on news anchoring, its most compelling contribution lies in amplifying the voices of practitioners themselves. Their collective message is clear: despite technological disruption and changing audience habits, the Filipino news anchor remains a vital institution — provided the profession continues to uphold ethical standards, newsroom rigor, and service to the public. This timely publication is expected to serve not only broadcast professionals but also media scholars, students, and citizens seeking deeper insight into how news leadership is shaped behind the camera.
