The Stream

Is there a war on truth? A conversation with Maria Ressa

Renowned journalist, a TIME magazine ‘Person of the Year’, joins The Stream to discuss her fight for press freedom.

A free and independent press is the cornerstone of democracy and Philippine journalist Maria Ressa wants it to remains so.

Ressa’s mission, in what she calls the ‘war on truth’, is the subject of a new Al Jazeera Witness film out this month. The documentary follows Ressa on her mission to make sure the spread of false information doesn’t threaten democracy – not just in the Philippines, but around the world.

Ressa is the CEO of Rappler, a digital news outlet in the Philippines that finds itself in the crosshairs of President Rodrigo Duterte’s government. In fact, Ressa was arrested just last week under a controversial new libel law.

In this episode, we meet Ressa to discuss her personal battle for freedom of expression and what the future of journalism may hold. Join the conversation. 

On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:
Maria Ressa @mariaressa
Executive editor, Rappler
rappler.com 

Yaara Bou Melhem @YaaraBouTV
Reporter & filmmaker
yaara.tv 

Read more: 
Philippines: Rappler journalist Maria Ressa arrested for libel – Al Jazeera 
Philippine journalist Maria Ressa released on bail – Al Jazeera 

What do you think? Record a video comment or leave your thoughts in the comments below.