Sex and sexuality are topics often reported in television because of its potential for high ratings. The phrase "SEX SELLS" has been proven in all kinds of media. TV producers like us tend to focus on creating content that entices viewers rather than enlighten them with facts and the necessary sensitivity when telling stories about sexuality.

Media regulating bodies such as the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) and Movie and Television Regulatory and Classification Board (MTRCB) have created guidelines, regulations and sanctions on the improper reporting on these issues. Even TV networks have their own internal guidelines.

In order to achieve this project, a series of focus-group discussions were conducted. Round table discussions with people from the media, academe and NGOs working with issues related to sexuality were done to validate our assumptions and get additional inputs on the project. Then brainstorming sessions and one-on-one interviews with TV practitioners (writers, reporters, cameramen, editors and supervisors) followed to find out about their experiences and offer suggestions to improve the quality of reporting on sexuality issues. Then a booklet that is not a rulebook, but a fun and easy-to-read user’s manual for TV practitioners to help them report on sexuality issues. Click here to download the booklet.

To take this further, students and practicing TV professionals were given copies of the book and some training on reporting on sexuality issues. TV segments have been produced to put inputs made into practice.

The research conducted for this project has shown that the sensitive topics of sexuality and reproductive health have been distorted to shock and entice viewers. Sexual behaviour that is perceived as out of the ordinary becomes newsworthy. This in turn leads the media to prioritize what is spectacular and sensational. In the Philippine media environment, censorship is not the answer to the continuing battle against sensationalism; the answer is education.

Sexuality and TV: Enlightening the Practitioner and Viewer is funded by the Ford Foundation and implemented by the Probe Media Foundation and Probe Productions, Inc.