Holding the Line

When Maria Ressa won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021, many felt it was a victory not only for all Filipino journalists, but for holding truth to power

- Karen Davila,Dorynna Untivero

Maria Ressa’s name is spoken with awe by journalists around the world: she is a beacon for truth and a warrior in the fight against disinformation. The founder of Rappler, she has openly criticised world leaders’ policies, and called out technology giants for spreading fake news and inciting hatred and violence. This dedication to journalism has led to accolades including the Woodrow Wilson Award from her alma mater, Princeton University; Time magazine’s Person of the Year in 2018; the Unesco/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize in 2021; and, of course, the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, alongside fellow journalist Dmitry Muratov.

Fresh from her Nobel win, she was warmly welcomed at Manila House for this month’s cover shoot. Ressa arrived wearing simple all-black attire and her signature ear-to-ear smile. She sat down for a conversation with long-time colleague and friend, broadcast journalist Karen Davila on having a sense of purpose, what she holds Mark Zuckerberg accountable for, and why she is still optimistic.

The following Q&A has been edited for clarity and length. Watch the full conversation online at www.youtube.com/user/philippinetatler

People might grow up imagining the possibility of winning an Oscar or an Olympic gold, but not usually a Nobel Prize. How was it for you, and how did you prepare for your Nobel Lecture?