How to Stand Up to a Dictator by Maria Ressa

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How to Stand Up to a Dictator by Maria Ressa: Episode 4

Episode 4

BBC Radio 4 - How to Stand Up to a Dictator by Maria Ressa, Episode 4

The founders of Rappler determine to democratise activism in the Philippines.

As a multi-platform news website, Rappler had extensive reach in the Philippines and accelerated political activism amongst ordinary people. But success often attracts enemies.

How to Stand Up to a Dictator is the story of how democracy dies by a thousand cuts, an accumulation of twisted facts and untruths. It is also an urgent warning and an instructive lesson in how to hold the line against the insidious forces manipulating the online world. 

In this memoir, Maria Ressa describes how she left the Philippines as a young girl and returned years later to immerse herself in a lifetime of campaigning journalism.  

Ressa jointly received the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize along with the Russian newspaper editor, Dmitry Andreyevich Muratov "for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace".  She is also a co-founder of the Philippine news site Rappler. But her work tracking disinformation networks has landed her in trouble with the government. She has had multiple arrest warrants issued against her and faces a potential prison term of 100 years behind bars.

'A personal hero of mine ... she's an important warning for the rest of us'
Hillary Clinton

'Maria Ressa is 5ft 2in, but she stands taller than most in her pursuit of the truth'
Amal Clooney

'Maria is a key voice ... she is so incredible in so many ways'
Carole Cadwalladr

The music used in the series is a song called Tatsulok, meaning pyramid or triangle, which was originally sung in 1991 by a folk-rock band, Buklod. The song was written in 1989 by Rom Dongeto, during the so-called Total War Policy of the Philippine Government, under President Corazon Aquino. It describes how the system of power with very few people at the top needs to be toppled and reversed. This 2007 version by Bamboo gained new popularity among activists in the first decade of the 21st century and still resonates today. 

Written and Read by Maria Ressa
Abridged by Jill Waters and Isobel Creed
Produced by Jill Waters
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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Maria Ressa's memoir chronicling her fight to protect democracy by reporting the facts.

Book of the Week. Philippine-American journalist Maria Ressa reads from her memoir, chronicling her fight to protect democracy by reporting the facts.

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