Atom Araullo urges campus journalists to tell community stories amid resource gaps

ORMOC CITY – Veteran broadcast journalist Alfonso Tomas “Atom” Araullo challenged young media practitioners to remain diligent and community-driven in their storytelling despite limited resources, emphasizing that meaningful journalism begins on the ground.

In a flash interview with Explained PH, the award-winning journalist acknowledged the challenges faced by emerging youth media platforms, particularly the lack of funding and equipment.

“Malaking challenge ‘yung pagkulangan sa resources. Pero maraming mga kwento sa inyong lugar na kaya ninyong punatahan,” he said, stressing that stories do not have to be grand to be impactful.

Araullo underscored that journalism is rooted in immersion and human connection.

“Journalism is about going to communities, using your brain to go to communities, and talking to people,” he added, encouraging to research and learn deeper from seemingly ordinary stories.

On the issue of bias, Araullo emphasized truth and balance as guiding principles for journalists often accused of partiality.

“Kailangan lang ‘yung totoo ‘yung sinasabi ninyo, and you have to get all sides to embrace you,” he said.

Araullo also addressed fears surrounding fieldwork, especially among campus journalists, advising vigilance without losing sight of the stories that matter.

“Stay safe pero alam ninyo ‘yung inyong community inside out. So kayo nakakaalam kung ano ‘yung mga importanteng istorya– and there are a lot of stories waiting,” he said.

Atom Araullo served as the keynote speaker in the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) 2026 in Ormoc City, Leyte.