By ANGELICA TOYAMA and FROILAN HERNANDEZ

Community journalists from across the country convened on June 27 in Quezon City for a workshop focused on maximizing the potential of shortform videos, including TikTok videos and YouTube shorts.

The workshop was organized by the Altermidya Network, with support from International Media Support (IMS), and was designed to equip correspondents and alternative media practitioners with the necessary tools to leverage short video platforms for grassroots news reporting and combating disinformation on social media.

Raymond Palatino, a contributor to the international citizen media platform Global Voices, opened the workshop by sharing his perspective on the power of shortform content for grassroots organizations. He expressed his belief that the Philippine independent media could effectively utilize emerging short video platforms to deliver impactful news and alternative perspectives.

“At the heart of producing shortform content are our communities. In a span of a few seconds, we can tell and amplify stories that are often rendered invisible by the current state of affairs,” Palatino stressed.

In the current digital landscape where platforms like TikTok and YouTube are thriving, Palatino emphasized the importance of having a presence in these spaces. He noted that these platforms are not just for entertainment but have become breeding grounds for disinformation. By being active in these spaces, community journalists can counteract this trend and provide accurate and relevant information to the public.

Palatino also emphasized that short videos can be a “potent tool” for ordinary people to become citizen journalists, citing examples such as documenting workers’ strikes and human rights violations using only a smartphone. He added that shortform videos can serve as an exercise to boost the audience’s attention span and help prepare them for longer content.

Meanwhile, TikTok content creator and influencer Clark Anthony Trovela provided insights into the evolving nature of TikTok as an information hub.

“Nagsimula ang TikTok sa mga pasayaw-sayaw, pero ngayon, may lumilitaw na focus na sa paggawa ng content na nagpapaliwanag sa issues sa pinakamaikling paraan,” Trovela shared, noting that on a personal level, his content delves on explaining various scientific issues in a way that many viewers can understand.

TikTok’s evolution to becoming the go-to search platform should be maximized by the independent media to explain complex processes and burning issues, Trovela stressed. “Tiktok videos could serve as an introducer of issues or concepts, and then, as a summarizer or rundown of what happened this week,” he explained.

Stephanie Park from YouTube Asia-Pacific discussed the benefits of YouTube’s latest “shorts” feature for community journalists. Park highlighted the platform’s potential for experimentation and finding content that resonates with the audience.  

“YouTube shorts enable you to test out formats you always wanted to try or jump on. It’s a green space to experiment and find what kind of content resonates with your audience,” Park said.

The workshop concluded with a question and answer portion that addressed various issues, including digital safety, tackling online bullying and censorship, and strategies for maintaining and expanding online presence on short video platforms.

The workshop was specifically designed for Altermidya members and was attended by network member outfits such as Bulatlat, Pinoy Weekly, Mayday Multimedia, Umani Productions, IBON Foundation, and the College Editors Guild of the Philippines.