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Aspiring storytellers and young journalists from across the country gathered at Gateway Cinema in Quezon City on September 23 for the launch of Jessica Soho's very first Storytellers Academy, a one-day workshop dedicated to mentoring the next generation of content creators. The event also marked Soho's 40th year in the industry, a milestone she celebrated by paying tribute to her Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) team for their unwavering dedication behind the scenes.

In an interview with 24 Oras' Athena Imperial, broadcast icon Jessica Soho reflected on the difference between being a mentor and being a reporter, emphasizing that both roles carry immense responsibility but also great privilege.

“Parehong malaking responsibilidad but I also consider it a privilege and my honor na I'm in this position na I can share what I learned through the years and maging mentor din ng mga batang aspiring journalists and content creators. Marami rin akong natutunan na gusto kong i-share para maihanda ang mga susunod sa atin. It's also a wonderful position to be able to report everything that transpired the past 40 years, para rin makita if we've moved forward or if it's the same old issues na tinatalakay pa rin natin.”

She acknowledged the challenges that persist in Philippine society, saying: “Unfortunately, parang ganun na nga ang nangyayari. I think now is a good time as any or baka mas kailangan tayo ngayon, mga journalists at storytellers para maikuwento pa rin ang mga nangyayari sa bansa.”

Having spent four decades in the field, Soho described both reporting and mentoring as demanding yet deeply rewarding. “Mahirap din magbalita kasi kailangan tama 'yung balita mo, hindi rin biro 'yung mga pinagdaanan ko for the four decades of my career. Now it's also difficult to train the new ones, but again it's my honor and privilege to be able to do that.”

Asked for her advice for young journalists and content creators, Soho pointed back to timeless values: “I believe that we still have the same principles and values. Kahit saan pa 'yan, diyaryo, radyo, social media, pare-pareho naman dapat ang values na we should hold dear and we should sustain and preserve. For example, accuracy. Kahit saang platform pa 'yan. Kailangan maging accurate. Fairness, responsibility, balance... lahat 'yan. Kasi alam ko marami nang content creators na ang sinasabi 'Iba kami.' Ang pakiusap ko lang sana, kasi para rin silang nagbabalita, so kung puwede lang po sana i-observe niyo rin ang same values. Importante ang accuracy kasi ang daming fake news. Importante pa ring maging fair, kung mayroon kayong binira, kunin niyo 'yung kabilang side.”

Despite the challenges that come with journalism, Soho finds hope and joy in the resilience and generosity of Filipinos. “What makes me smile? Ang bubuti nating mga tao, so generous. Lalo na 'yung spirit natin. Kaya gustong gusto tayong maging caregivers, gustong gusto nilang pumupunta sila sa atin. Na-appreciate nila 'yung values natin.”