Credibility, Facts Key To Media Navigating Polarisation

KANGAR, June 6 (Bernama) -- In the digital era, where the public is exposed to an ever-expanding range of information sources, the greatest challenge facing media organisations is not merely delivering news quickly, but maintaining the credibility and balance needed to retain public trust amid growing polarisation.

The challenge is even more complex for mainstream media, particularly those operating in opposition-governed states, where reports are often judged through the lens of political leanings and public perceptions that may already be firmly established.

Perlis Broadcasting Department director Fathil Hidayat Gazali believes that public perception of news reports is largely influenced by individuals’ preferred sources of information, political inclinations and the way they interpret the content presented to them.

“This is indeed a challenge because there are times when reports based on facts and the interests of the people are still perceived as biased if they do not align with certain political views or personal inclinations,” he told Bernama in a recent interview.

However, he stressed that for mainstream media, particularly government-owned media organisations, facts and credibility remain the cornerstone in navigating societal polarisation.

“We generally focus on government policies, national agendas and matters affecting the public interest that are communicated by the government of the day, as these relate to the administration of the country.

“When the Prime Minister speaks on government policies or issues concerning the people, coverage is provided in his capacity as head of the nation’s administration, even though some may view it purely through a political lens and perceive the reporting as unbalanced,” he said.

Fathil Hidayat believes that media organisations in Malaysia continue to uphold journalistic ethics and professional principles, despite each organisation having its own editorial approach and style of reporting.

Commenting on the situation in Perlis, he said the Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) continues to provide coverage of state government programmes and press conferences that are of public interest.

“The media cannot practise self-censorship on matters of public interest because its role is to deliver information to the people in a professional manner,” he said.

Meanwhile, Berita Harian Kedah/Perlis Bureau chief M Hifzuddin Ikhsan said mainstream media outlets indeed face challenges in ensuring their reports are perceived as balanced, particularly in states that are not politically aligned with the federal government.

However, he said these challenges should not be used as an excuse to compromise journalistic ethics and the principles of editorial independence.

“It is the responsibility of media organisations and journalists to ensure that all parties are given a voice, including state governments, the opposition, experts and ordinary citizens, so that reports produced are more comprehensive and balanced,” he said.

He added that the practice of cross-checking remains an important element, particularly in dealing with sensitive issues and preventing reports from being misinterpreted or perceived as biased.

Issues related to media credibility, journalistic ethics and the challenge of maintaining balanced reporting are also among the key focuses of the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration, themed 'Media Berintegriti, Teras Kredibiliti' (Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility), with the main event scheduled to take place at the PICCA Convention Centre in Penang on June 20.

-- BERNAMA