Accurate News Reporting Key To Upholding Media Integrity

KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Bernama) -- The dissemination of accurate and ethical news remains the cornerstone of mainstream media, especially amid the growing threat of misinformation and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI).

Malaysian Broadcasting Department (RTM) Current Affairs News Division director Md Shahri Saripan said every RTM report undergoes a rigorous vetting process to ensure accuracy and balance.

"Since its inception, RTM has upheld the principles of accuracy and credibility. In this era of information overload and social media dominance, RTM must remain the primary point of reference for the public," he said during RTM’s Selamat Pagi Malaysia programme themed ‘Integrity and Professionalism: Pillars of Responsible News Broadcasting’ aired earlier today.

Bernama TV Editor-in-Chief Nor Hamzeela Md Hambali said all Bernama reports are subject to strict editorial checks and rely solely on verified, authoritative sources.

"We do not publish news without confirming its source. Integrity, balance and transparency are central to our work and this is what sustains public trust in Bernama," she said.

She noted that while AI enhances efficiency, human oversight remains essential to ensure factual accuracy.

Astro Awani Editor-in-Chief Ashwad Ismail added that public trust is the ‘heartbeat’ of any newsroom, especially amid today’s information challenges.

He also highlighted how professional journalists and citizen journalists, can work in synergy to accelerate the flow of accurate information.

"For example, when something happens in their area and citizen journalists share stories or videos, it speeds our delivery process, especially for wider public dissemination.

"I see it as a strong symbiosis, boosting both speed and authenticity," he said, adding that fact-based, whole-of-society approach helps strengthen credibility.

-- BERNAMA