'Stand For Truth' to shape the future of online news starting April 15
Get ready for the future of online news via the groundbreaking newscast 'Stand For Truth' that will air starting April 15.
This cutting-edge news program will revolutionize how people consume news and its content will be spearheaded by United Nations Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) advocate and multi-awarded broadcast journalist Atom Araullo.
Joining Atom as hosts of Stand For Truth is Kapuso resident political analyst Richard Heydarian and Unang Hirit host and social media influencer Joyce Pring.
The digital newscast held its media conference today, April 5, at GMA Network Center, which was attended by several Kapuso executives and members of the press.
Spotted at the event were Ms. Nessa Valdellon, GMA Public Affairs First Vice President and Ms. Angel Javier-Cruz, Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications. Also showing their support were Stand For Truth Program Manager Patty Gutierrez, Executive Producer Bryan Brazil, Associate Producer Rizza Mendiola and GMA Artist Center Senior Talent Manager Vic Del Rosario.
Kapuso lady executive Nessa Valdellon promises that Stand For Truth will be fresh and different from other newscasts produced by the world-class team of GMA News and Public Affairs.
She explained, “Just expect that this will be different from the other GMA newscasts, talagang news ito with a point of view.
“This is the newscast with live analysis that's why we have Richard (Heydarian) there, we will have data-driven segments. Talagang may analysis siya na mas malalim and then we have a daily music segment."
GMA News and Public Affairs receives YouTube innovation grant for 'Stand for Truth'
Kapuso host Joyce Pring, who will be in charge of the music segment of the digital newscast, admitted in her interview with Lhar Santiago that she feels nervous and excited about this new project.
“We are intimidated, nervous, but at the same time, we are really excited to be exploring new waters. With anything naman, if you want innovation, you need the courage to really try out something new.”
Meanwhile, Richard Heydarian is already looking forward to letting people see their pilot episode this month because of the diverse talents they will be presenting in the digital newscast.
“Well nakakataba ng puso na kami 'yung pinili to pull this off. I'm really glad it's teamwork, all of us including the reporters, each of us bring something into the table and I think hopefully the mosaic of all these talents put together will be enough to not only revolutionize but also bring the future here particularly in the Philippines.”
Multi-awarded broadcast journalist Atom Araullo said being chosen to be an anchor of Stand For Truth is an honor. He also lauded the hardworking people behind their show who is determined to offer something unique and exciting show to the viewers.
“It's a big responsibility and I'm also honored to be part of this team that's putting together hopefully something that is new and groundbreaking.
“We are just the face of the program, but the heart and soul of it are the reporters and also the people behind the scenes. We are composed of very capable senior and amazing journalists. We want to put our heads together to produce something unique and exciting.”
Stand For Truth will also introduce 10 reporters who will become the new faces of GMA News and Public Affairs.
These promising talents that came all over the Philippines passed a grueling audition and were trained in mobile journalism in gathering news. These newbie reporters include Bhea Jeem Docyogen, Anthony Esguerra, Asmarie Labao, Shai Lagarde, Ardo Miravalles, Darwin Quirino, Manal Sugadol, Larize Lee, Eduard Faraon and Jerald Uy.
This new journey as a Stand For Truth reporter is a sort of homecoming for lifestyle vlogger Shai Lagarde who worked as a TV producer for GMA News and Public Affairs from 2008 to 2010. In fact, her first show in GMA-7 was the animal and wildlife program Born To Be Wild.
Shai feels that all of the reporters in Stand For Truth are eager to prove to everyone their caliber, which earned them the spot to be part of the digital newscast.
“Nandun 'yung pressure na this is one of a kind format and parang kinuha kami from all over the Philippines and because of what they saw in us, parang kami eager kami to prove ourselves.”
The youngest of the group, Senior High School student Eduard Faraon wants to use this platform to inspire other young people.
Eduard explained, “Noong una sobrang nakaka-pressure kasi siyempre nakikipag-compete ako sa ibang age brackets tapos pinakabata pa ako. Dumadagdag 'yung pressure na 'yun. Pero nakaka-excite kasi alam ko na puwede ko itong maging platform to inspire the youth to show them that we can be catalyst of change rin.”
Former administrative assistant Manal Sugadol from Cotabato City, a risk-taker, believes that she could provide an in-depth analysis of stories coming from Mindanao since she is a local and familiar with its culture and tradition.
Sugadol pointed out, “Win-win situation kasi magiging in-depth 'yung istorya kasi kumbaga ako mismo ay nasa field. Alam ko 'yung kung sino kakausapin, familiar sa culture, familiar sa tradition. Alam ko rin 'yung way na makipag-usap, mas makakapa ko 'yung community namin”
LOOK: Behind-the-scenes photos from 'Stand For Truth' pictorial
Don't miss the pilot episode of the future of online news, Stand For Truth, this April 15, Monday to Friday, 8:00 p.m., which will be streamed on GMA News Online and GMA News and Public Affairs YouTube Channel.