CMFR shuts down; founder trusts media to carry on

Center for Media and Responsibility announced its closure after almost four decades of media development work.

The Philippine-based media watchdog Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) ceased its operations on September 30, ending 37 years of media development and investigative research in the country. The organization announced its closure on its Facebook page on September 18, citing difficulties in securing funding.

“Philippines and international funding support has sustained the work of CMFR, but multiple factors have affected the funding environment, making it difficult for CMFR to secure the necessary funds for its operations,” CMFR said in its announcement.

CMFR President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Melinda Quinto De Jesus shared in an interview with ANC that the organization had relied primarily on international grants for much of its existence, but global changes in funding availability had led to a decline in financial support over the years.

Losing a Pillar

Established in 1989, following the ouster of dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, the organization serves as a response to the growing recognition of the media's influence and the vital role of a free press in strengthening Philippine democracy. It strives to uphold press freedom while promoting ethical reporting practices and journalistic excellence.

Veteran journalist De Jesus brought together individuals from various sectors to establish CMFR, pioneering the institutionalization of media monitoring in the Philippines and promoting accountability among news organizations.

CMFR also developed the Philippine Journalism Review (PJR), one of the first publications of its kind in Asia. It brought together academics and media practitioners to critically examine journalistic practices, recognize exemplary reporting, and identify ethical violations in the media.

Moreover, CMFR has used its platform to recognize excellence in journalism through the Jaime V. Ongpin Awards for Excellence in Journalism (JVOAEJ), which was discontinued in 2010. However, it continues to hold the Jaime V. Ongpin Journalism Seminar, featuring journalists recognized for their remarkable reportage, discussing the state of the press in the Philippines.

The media watchdog also led the selection process for national fellowships including Marshall McLuhan Fellowship and Sandra Burton Nieman Fellowship.

Watchdog of the Watchdogs

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) described CMFR’s closure as a “profound blow to Philippine journalism,” emphasizing the loss of an institution that holds the media industry accountable.

“At a time when the press faces mounting pressures from various interests, the absence of CMFR's independent voice will be deeply felt,” NUJP shared.

CMFR has been one of the leading institutions protecting press freedom in the country through its system for reporting threats and attacks, database of journalist killings, policy advocacy, and campaigns to end impunity.

Despite the cessation of operations, De Jesus believes that others can carry forward CMFR’s work.

“I always rely on the vitality of the environment to generate new energies to meet this need. I think there will be more people who will be involved in doing the work when I make my exit fully,” De Jesus said in an interview.

The founder added that “anyone who wants to take over must fully embrace the role of being watchdog of the watchdogs.”

Article: JL Estrella Pablico

Graphics/Illustrations: Justine Ceniza