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The Mining Propaganda under a Neoliberal Regime: A Political Economy Analysis of Tthe Mining Coverage of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Rejinel Valencia  

This role of the media in promoting, and even defending, the corporate interests has long tickled the intuitive minds of the scholars of media. In the Philippines, this role has been called into question once again after former Environment Secretary Regina Paz López accused the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Inquirer) of being biased to the interests of the mining industry. The said newspaper is one of the leading national Philippine newspapers today. On February 14, 2017, López ordered the cancellation of the contracts of 75 mining firms operating in sensitive areas in the Philippines, such as watersheds. The following day, Inquirer, in its banner story, tagged López’ move as the “Valentine’s Day massacre”. The newspaper soon ran several stories and even dedicated whole pages criticizing López and her shutdown order. An irate López, in a YouTube video, fired back at the newspaper and branded it as a mouthpiece of the mining industry. Given the recent accusations against the media, specifically Inquirer, on their alleged involvement in the promotion of the interests of the elite, this study looks at the phenomenon and critically assesses the extent of influence the political economy has over the Inquirer coverage of the mining issues and controversies. It employs the propaganda model and assesses its application amid the reign of neoliberalism. It finds that Inquirer has been involved in a web of political and financial interests that allow it to serve as mouthpiece for mining industry in the Philippines.

The Media and Public Discourse on Corporate Social Responsibility

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Amit Lavie Dinur,  Yuval Karniel  

This research provides insights into the current state of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) media coverage in Israel. We analyzed all articles dealing with ESG in June 2024 in the three main financial newspapers in Isreal. A total of 1,923 articles were found, The findings reveal that the discourse is primarily shaped by three main factors: limited professional coverage, concerns about greenwashing, and the influence of US political debates. The dominance of marketing content over investigative journalism suggests a need for more independent and critical coverage of ESG issues in Israeli media. The research also highlights how international political dynamics, particularly from the US, can influence local market development and media coverage of ESG issues. This demonstrates the increasingly global nature of ESG discussions and the challenges of developing local markets in the context of international debates.

Language, Power, and Algorithms: Indigenous Agency in South Asia's Digital Ecosystems

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Jinan Thenuttykallingal  

The digital revolution has transformed global communication, education, and economic opportunities, yet indigenous tribal communities across South Asia remain systematically excluded from its benefits. This paper examines the structural and cultural dimensions of the Indigenous Digital Divide-the disparity in access, skills, and representation that perpetuates socio-economic marginalization among tribal populations in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. While urban centers advance technologically, remote tribal settlements grapple with inadequate infrastructure, linguistic barriers, and a lack of digital content reflecting their knowledge systems. These exclusions reinforce cycles of poverty and political disenfranchisement, undermining the democratic potential of digital culture. Through qualitative analysis of policy frameworks, ethnographic case studies, and interviews with educators and activists, this paper highlights how top-down digital initiatives often fail to address tribal needs. In contrast, community-led media literacy programs-such as multilingual digital platforms, participatory radio, and locally adapted e-governance tools-demonstrate the transformative power of culturally grounded approaches. The paper argues that bridging the digital divide requires more than technical access; it demands reimagining media literacy through indigenous epistemologies, languages, and pedagogies. The implications extend beyond connectivity: inclusive digital practices can enhance tribal livelihoods, preserve endangered languages, and amplify marginalized voices in public discourse. By centering indigenous agency in technology design and policy, this study proposes a roadmap for equitable digital inclusion. Its findings aim to inform policymakers, NGOs, and educators working at the intersection of media literacy, cultural preservation, and socio-economic justice in South Asia and other postcolonial contexts facing similar challenges.

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