Kara David says content creators and journalists can be partners in public service

Kara David believes content creators and journalists do not have to be on opposing sides, saying both can play a role in public service and the fight against misinformation.

In a Preview Magazine feature, the Kapuso journalist shared her thoughts after tying with Ivana Alawi, an actress and content creator, for Best Host for Public Service at the recent FAMAS Broadcast Arts Awards.

The result sparked an online discussion about whether journalists and content creators should be recognized separately in public-service categories.

Kara, however, said public service can take different forms depending on the platform.

Talking about Ivana, Kara said in Filipino, “We’re just on different platforms. We also have different ways of helping.”

“But that’s the beauty of the world, right? I think you can do public service on any platform,” she added.

For Kara, the title or platform matters less than the purpose behind the work.

“When we talk about public service—whether in the media or in government or whatever industry it may be—hopefully it’s really for the public and not for oneself,” she said.

“Because that’s what true public service is. When it becomes for you, that’s not public service.”

She also acknowledged that audiences and numbers are important to journalists and content creators alike.

In her case, she pays attention to ratings and wants people to watch her programs, while creators may look at views, followers, and monetization.

But Kara believes these metrics should not become the main motivation behind the work.

“Hopefully that’s not the number one reason why we’re doing stories. Hopefully, the reason why we’re doing stories is that we really want to serve the public and we really want to be the voice of the people,” she said.

As someone who actively uses social media, Kara also sees value in content creators as a source of insight into current conversations online, describing herself as a “heavy user” of social media.

“I learn from them. And I think content creators can also learn from journalists—the ethics of verifying the truth, diligently researching to make sure that your story is correct and aligned with the truth,” she said, describing content creators as "important partners in our search for truth.”

“Content creators and journalists shouldn’t be enemies. We’re partners in combating false information and disinformation, because that’s the real enemy," she added.

Kara won three awards at FAMAS, including Best Documentary for "Embalsamador De Motor" on "I-Witness” and Best Public Affairs Talk Show for "I-Listen."

Aside from being a top journalist and documentarist, she is also one of Filipino internet's favorite personalities. She has been dubbed the "Queen of Potential Sound" for her reactions and witty dialogues on TikTok. — Carby Basina/LA, GMA News