Behind The Glamour: Entertainment Journalists' Constant Struggle Between Ethics, Reality And Perception

By Norhidayyu Zainal

KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- Behind the dazzling stage lights, glitzy red carpets, and up-close moments with celebrities, the life of an entertainment journalist is often perceived as one filled with glamour and indulgence.

The truth is, behind the dazzling image lies a constant struggle to uphold journalistic principles and ethics in order to deliver the truth to the audience.

For Maliah Surip, 44, former entertainment editor of Kosmo!, the familiarity journalists share with celebrities is not a licence to become complacent in a world full of distractions, but rather a weighty responsibility that requires agility, tenacity, and strong resilience.

“I can say that glamour is merely a perception because, in reality, entertainment journalists are often side characters in the celebrity world, even though we are surrounded by its glitz and glamour.

“The truth is far less glamorous. We have to be quick and resourceful in chasing scoops, work overtime - especially when events run late into the night - and sometimes deal with celebrities who are less than friendly. These challenges are often mistaken for glamour,” she told Bernama recently.

Maliah, who brings over two decades of experience in journalism, emphasised the importance of maintaining clear boundaries in relationships with celebrities to ensure reporting remains objective and free from bias, thereby preserving professional integrity.

“Don’t be ashamed to be an entertainment journalist. We are storytellers of the art world, not gossipmongers. We document pop culture and bring those stories to the mainstream. Our pen also defends cultural values and heritage,” said Maliah, who is currently a contract journalist with Astro Gempak.

For Harian Metro entertainment journalist Mohamad Ridzuan Abdul Rahman, 51, professionalism and a distinctive image can significantly enhance a journalist’s credibility and accessibility, particularly among high-profile celebrities.

“If we’re not well-known, it’s harder for artists to trust us or feel comfortable sharing their stories. But when they see that we maintain a professional appearance and are recognised within the industry, they’re more open to working with us. If we don’t appear convincing, celebrities who are conscious of their image are more likely to choose other journalists. In that sense, the ‘glamour’ element can be an added value,” he explained.

However, Ridzuan stressed that behind the perceived glamour, the daily grind of entertainment journalism is far from easy. Journalists must continue to work hard, striving to produce balanced news that goes beyond mere sensationalism to deliver stories with depth and meaning.

Also sharing his perspective was Sinar Harian Lifestyle executive editor Meen Tahrin, who emphasised that despite the vibrant and celebrity-filled world of entertainment journalism, ethical reporting must always remain the guiding principle.

“If you ask me, it all comes back to journalistic ethics. When in doubt, just Google it, the answers are there: accurate and complete (news),” said Meen, former Media Hiburan editor.

In conjunction with the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration, Maliah, Mohamad Ridzuan, and Meen collectively agreed that regardless of a journalist’s beat, principles such as ethics, trust, and credibility must never be compromised but rather continue to be a guiding principle.

The highlight of HAWANA 2025 will take place on June 14 at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre (WTCKL). The event will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and is expected to draw around 1,000 media practitioners from both local and international news organisations.

Organised by the Communications Ministry with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, HAWANA will feature a range of events, including a Pantun Festival on May 31, a pre-launch ceremony with strategic partners at Wisma Bernama on June 3, and a media forum co-hosted with the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) on June 14.

-- BERNAMA