Prós
Talented, mission-driven peers; you’ll meet some of the sharpest journalists in Philippine media. Strong training ground for young journalists who want to learn digital storytelling and social-first reporting. Brand name still carries prestige in international circles.
Contras
It’s a good place to start your career, not to build a life. Chronic financial instability. Budgets for coverage are constantly slashed; reporters often shoulder their own expenses. Low pay and slow progression. Raises are symbolic at best. Many stay for passion, not pay. Top-heavy management. Decision-making revolves around a small inner circle; transparency is performative. Overreliance on external funding. When the funding dries up, so do opportunities and benefits. Toxic martyr culture and no work-life balance. Burnout is glamorized; dissent is treated as disloyalty.