cosa-logo_306
artboard-1

Taking charge of news-gathering at CNN Philippines

Many successful leaders did not begin as instant authorities in their field. They often had to climb the ladder from the ground up, picking up new experiences on each rung. 

Jane C. Santos, Assistant Vice President for Technical Services at CNN Philippines, has worked in media since her entry-level years. She was a production assistant first, then moved around departments within both small and large media operations before she reached her current position.  

She is a woman heading a male-dominated department in one of the more prestigious names in the global news arena, which presents its own challenges. But Santos’ leadership style – she prefers to guide rather than dictate – has helped her achieve her goals.

COS Asia: What do you like most about leading, and what are the challenges?

Santos: Being a leader allows you to empower the team under your wing. You can hone them to be good leaders too, and help them reach their full potential. 

If your team feels happy and acknowledged, they will do better. They will go to work inspired. They will go above and beyond for the company – not because you tell them to, but because they share the same vision and are encouraged to contribute.

However, the challenge is in dealing with different personalities. Most of the people I work with are male, and personalities can clash. Arguments happen because of pressure and differences, but ultimately I make sure that issues are discussed and resolved by the time a meeting ends.

Being a leader isn’t about dictating a direction. You have to be able to guide your team so they can make decisions independently.

COS Asia: What do you want to achieve as a leader?

Santos: I’ve met all the goals I’ve set for myself so far. I want to stay focused on achieving the company’s and my team’s visions. 

My vision for CNN Philippines is to thrive even more, expand, innovate, and continue delivering world-class news. I want to hone more effective leaders from my team. I will feel fulfilled when those visions happen.

COS Asia: Walk us through your career journey. 

Santos: I’ve always worked in the media, initially as a Production Assistant before moving to the marketing department for a small production company. 

Then I became the Game Producer with Viva Vintage Sports for the Philippine Basketball Association, Fédération Internationale de Volleyball, World Pool Championships, and other sporting events. 

After that, I landed a job at Solar Entertainment Corporation in 2004 as a Creative Director for entertainment channels. While at Solar, I got promoted to Vice-President of Channel Support Services. In this role, I was i noverall charge of the national technical production for the NBA Global Games and a Fast & Furious 6 red carpet event.

Eventually, I moved to CNN Philippines in 2014 as Head of Field Production and Media Management. In 2020, I became Senior Director for Technical Services before being promoted to AVP for Technical Services.

I’m very passionate about my work and would like to be of service for as long as I can give back.

 

Share This Article

Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter

Advertise Now

Pricing
Click to zoom
What's in it for you?
Click to zoom

WELCOME TO
Chief of Staff Asia