Mel Tiangco on what makes a good journalist: ‘You need to be in love with life’

With a career spanning more than 30 years, Mel Tiancgo is regarded as one of the pillars of Philippine journalism.

Her truthful reporting and fearless journalism captured the hearts not only of Filipino viewers but also of young aspiring journalists who see her as an inspiration. 

But what makes a good journalist for Mel Tiangco?

“Aside from the nitty-gritty and the details, you need to be in love with life. You need to love people,” she told GMA News Online on the sidelines of her contract renewal with the Kapuso network. 

She also said that a journalist must also be interested in what is happening around them.

“You need to be interested in what’s happening around you.  You need to be interested that life would be better in each and every one. I think that is a very good basic character trait of a journalist,” Tita Mel said, adding that to do that, one must exert effort in reading and knowing their surroundings. 

The veteran journalist renewed her ties with the GMA Network on Tuesday and expressed her gratitude for all the opportunities the Kapuso network has given her. 

Tita Mel became a Kapuso in 1996 with Saksi. In 2004, she was tapped to be one of the main anchors of the primetime new “24 Oras” alongside the late Mike Enriquez.

She also currently hosts a weekly drama anthology Magpakailanman. 

—MGP, GMA Integrated News