Ep 1. A Thousand Cuts
- January 8, 2021
In the season 40 premiere episode of Frontline titled "A Thousand Cuts," the show takes a deep dive into the current state of journalism in the Philippines and the fight for press freedom in the face of President Rodrigo Duterte's authoritarian rule.
The episode follows the story of Maria Ressa, a veteran journalist and founder of online news site Rappler, who has been a vocal critic of Duterte's administration. Ressa has faced multiple legal battles and harassment amidst her coverage of Duterte's drug war, which has led to thousands of extrajudicial killings. The episode sheds light on the ways in which Duterte and his supporters have used social media as a tool to spread disinformation and discredit journalists like Ressa who offer a counter-narrative to the official government line.
Frontline also explores the larger issue of how the erosion of press freedom in the Philippines reflects a larger global trend, as authoritarian leaders across the world increasingly target the media and journalists in order to maintain their power and silence dissent. The episode features interviews with other journalists and media experts who offer their perspectives on the challenges facing the field today, as well as footage of protests and rallies in support of press freedom in the Philippines.
Overall, "A Thousand Cuts" is a powerful and timely exploration of the critical role that journalism plays in holding those in power accountable, and the ongoing struggle to protect and defend press freedom in an increasingly hostile environment.
