BERNAMA CAN EVOLVE AND TAP POTENTIAL IN NEW MEDIA LANDSCAPE - CHAIRMAN

KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) can evolve with the changing media landscape by capitalising on its position as a trusted source of news to generate more revenue, said Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.

He said the media landscape has changed as many have shifted to social media platforms for their daily dose of news and are now more interested in stories delivered via various platforms that are more relaxed and casual.

"There are many ways to tell our story. Even though Bernama is known as a government news agency, I think we can improve and go beyond by being commercially driven but interesting with, for example, human interest and entertainment stories.

"Social media should play a bigger role for Bernama. We should exploit it to the fullest," he said after a Bernama luncheon in conjunction with Aidilfitri here today.

Wong said he will assist Bernama to increase its revenue this year and attract more media outlets to its services.

"I've met many sponsors and media groups, convincing them to put their money into Bernama because we are the one who distributes news.

"Bernama has been able to play its role in delivering the best, responsible and trusted news," Wong said.

On today's luncheon, Wong said it was held to continue Bernama's tradition of appreciating and celebrating its staff, management team, as well as customers and media friends in conjunction with festivities.

He said the luncheon, which was attended by approximately 100 people, was filled with camaraderie and presented a good opportunity to strengthen friendships.

"Bernama will hold its Hari Raya Open House next month," he said.

Among the media personalities who attended the event were Director-General of Broadcasting Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman, Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) president Datuk Yong Soo Heong, The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Bhd Group Managing Editor Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman and Star Media Group Chief Content Officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng. 

Others present were former Bernama chairmen Datuk Seri Azman Ujang and Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi, Bernama Chief Executive Officer Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj and its top management team and staff.

-- BERNAMA