Bernama Courses Help Stringers Embrace AI

JOHOR BAHRU, June 25 (Bernama) -- The participation of stringers in artificial intelligence (AI) courses organised by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) not only expands training access for media practitioners but also recognises their crucial role in delivering accurate information to the public.

Bernama’s Centre of Excellence manager Ridzuan Mohd Ghazali said the move also reflects the agency’s commitment to strengthening the media literacy ecosystem in an inclusive manner.

“Part-time journalists are also welcome to join. We do not limit participation to full-time reporters because stringers also contribute significantly to daily news reporting,” he said when met on the first day of the "AI-Powered Content Creation & Editorial Automation" course here today.

The training programme gathered 30 participants, including about 10 stringers from various media agencies in Johor, such as Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), Astro Awani, Utusan Malaysia, Star Media Group and Bernama.

Bernama is the coordinator of the AI course under the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 allocation, aimed at equipping journalists with knowledge and practical skills to utilise AI in producing creative and effective multimedia content.

Among the training modules featured are AI Tools for Automated Transcription & Podcast Editing, Understanding Deepfakes, Misinformation and Verification Technologies and AI Video Editing and Integration.

Ridzuan said AI technology is becoming increasingly important in speeding up journalistic workflows, while also enabling the production of more engaging and interactive content.

“With AI technology, journalists’ tasks can be simplified while also enhancing creativity in reporting. Each course has its own focus – this time, we’re focusing on content creation, including image and video production,” he said.

In addition to technical skills, participants were also exposed to ethical aspects of using AI to ensure the technology is applied responsibly, especially in addressing the spread of false information and visual manipulation.

Astro Awani stringer Faisyah Farain Ramli, 32, said the programme gave her an opportunity to enhance her skills to stay relevant in the rapidly evolving digital era.

“AI technology not only makes our work easier, but also broadens the scope of reporting. So I hope to gain more insights into AI use through this course,” said Faisyah, who has been with Astro Awani for a year.

Sharing a similar view, Ain Najihah Ahmad Mazlan, 26, from RTM, hopes the training will help her understand the best ways to create content using AI, including automating daily tasks.

“I also want to learn how AI can assist journalists, for example, in speeding up the transcription of recordings,” said Ain Najihah, who has been with RTM for two years.

The programme was facilitated by two experts from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin – Associate Professor Dr Azwa Abdul Aziz and Dr Normala Rahim – who led training modules on artificial intelligence and media ethics.

Johor Bahru is the seventh location for this training after Kuala Lumpur, Cyberjaya, Sarawak, Sabah, Terengganu and Kedah, as part of Bernama’s initiative to digitalise editorial operations in local media and boost the competitiveness of media practitioners nationwide.

-- BERNAMA