Context
The Philippine media do not exist in a vacuum but are dependent on the political, legal and social context of the country. Media diversity in the Philippines evolved along historical and political changes during periods of colonialization, dictatorship, followed by People Power Movements and democratization.
It equally depends on the legal framework that guarantees freedom of speech and press - but seems to lacks behind in preventing media concentration and lowering entering barriers for new players.
Looking at the economic situation, advertising remains the media's life blood, and one of the key financing tools for most media. This is especially of interest in times of election campaigning when political advertising means a cash injection for major outlets.
The characteristics of the Philippine society, i.e. literacy rates and consumption habits, determine which media outlets or media types dominate and presumably thus have the strongest influence on public opinion.
