Mobile Journalism Related Studies Should Be Enhanced To Meet Demands

KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 (Bernama) -- Aspects of studies related to mobile journalism (MOJO) need to be strengthened in institutes of higher learning to ensure that mass communication graduates are equipped with skills that meet the current needs and demands of the media industry.

Senior journalist at the Digital Media Desk of the Malaysian National News Organisation (Bernama), Syed Iylia Hariz Al-Qadri Syed Izman, highlighted how MOJO was significantly transforming the news landscape through the collection and delivery of news material using mobile devices and smartphones.

"Understanding and mastering MOJO is becoming increasingly important, especially for mass communication students, as it is a market requirement in this digital age where digital media and social media platforms are primary channels for news dissemination," he told Bernama.

He emphasised the necessity for universities to provide specific courses or modules introducing the basics of MOJO, including its history, significance, and evolution in the journalism industry.

Syed Iylia Hariz Al-Qadri, who has served at Bernama for over 10 years, also emphasised the importance of helping students grasp the context and application of MOJO in modern journalism, whereby the syllabus should include various components such as introduction to equipment and technology, effective digital content creation, and leveraging social media.

He said digital storytelling was an area that could be looked into, where students are taught how to tell stories effectively through digital platforms, including narration, data visualisation and multimedia integration to increase audience involvement and understanding.

"In terms of journalistic ethics, it is necessary to ensure that students understand ethics in MOJO and news reporting, such as fact verification, source selection and the method of producing content with integrity," he said.

Meanwhile, Multimedia Executive at Utusan TV, Zuid Ikh Ral Samson, noted that while MOJO was rapidly advancing worldwide, its adoption in Malaysia remained relatively slow, despite society's expectation for faster news delivery.

"In addition to mass communication students, photography and videography students also need to learn MOJO and various other new skills to secure employment. This is because the field of journalism is becoming increasingly challenging," he said.

He suggested that universities train all students in basic photography and videography techniques and introduce them to equipment such as gimbals and microphones for MOJO use, besides exposing them to various video and photo editing applications.

Last December, the Ministry of Communications, through the Tun Abdul Razak Institute of Broadcasting and Information (IPPTAR), launched the MADANI MOJO Reporter's Handbook to enhance the employability of professional media practitioners, including citizen journalists, for fast, authentic, and accurate reporting.

In conjunction with the celebration of National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2024, a MOJO workshop will be held at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), conducted by Syed Iylia Hariz Al-Qadri.

HAWANA 2024, to be held in Kuching, Sarawak from May 25 to 27, will gather over 1,000 media practitioners, representatives of local journalists' associations, and media representatives from ASEAN member countries to exchange ideas and establish strategic relationships.

This year's celebration is organised by the Ministry of Communications in collaboration with the Sarawak State Government, with Bernama serving as the implementing agency. This marks the fourth edition of the event since its introduction in the country’s capital in 2018, followed by celebrations in Melaka (2022) and Perak (2023).

May 29 has been gazetted as National Journalists' Day to commemorate the publication of the first edition of the Utusan Melayu newspaper on May 29, 1939, recognizing the contributions of industry players in shaping the minds of an informed society and fostering cooperation and positive change in the industry.

-- BERNAMA