MAINSTREAM MEDIA URGED TO ENHANCE QUALITY TO COMPETE WITH INSTANT JOURNALISTS

JOHOR BAHRU, May 7 (Bernama) -- There is a need for mainstream media outlets to elevate their quality and productivity to keep pace with instant journalists across various digital platforms.

Johor Media Club (KMJ) president Mohamad Fauzi Ishak said this enhancement is crucial to ensure that mainstream media remains the primary source of information for the public on various issues.

Mohamad Fauzi, who is also Gabungan Kelab Media Malaysia president, also emphasised the need for mainstream media practitioners to adhere to journalistic ethics in every news report to distinguish themselves from uncertified journalists, commonly referred to as ‘instant journalists’.

“As mainstream media practitioners, we are guided by the Malaysian Code of Ethics for Journalists established in 1989, unlike instant journalists who write according to their own wishes without thinking about the ethics that come with such responsibility.

“Mainstream media practitioners must undergo journalism training throughout their tenure as cadet journalists, as determined by their respective agencies, before being confirmed as journalists. This is unlike instant journalists who write solely for the sake of writing without formal training,” he told Bernama recently.

On Feb 20, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil launched the revised version of the Malaysian Code of Ethics for Journalists to replace the code that has been in use for the past 35 years.

Regarding the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2024, themed ‘Etika Teras Kewartawanan Mapan’, Mohamad Fauzi said KMJ hoped this celebration would further elevate responsible news reporting for the betterment of the people and the nation.

“The theme of this year’s HAWANA aligns with the commitment of every mainstream media agency in the country to deliver news and information regarding the policies implemented by the MADANI Government to enhance the welfare of the people.

“We are committed to embracing this responsibility and trust as part of the multi-ethnic and multi-religious community who wishes to see local media continue to thrive on the international stage,” said Mohamad Fauzi.

The HAWANA 2024 celebration will take place from May 25 to 27 in Kuching, Sarawak, and will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Various programmes have been planned for HAWANA 2024, including the Sarawak Media Conference 2024 themed ‘Evolution of Media in the Digital Era’, which is expected to be attended by 600 participants, including renowned local and international speakers.

Additionally, the ‘Jelajah Siswa’ programme which covers six zones - Sabah, Sarawak, Northern, Eastern, Southern and Central - with the launching ceremony slated to be graced by Fahmi on May 24.

Over 1,000 media practitioners, representatives from local journalist associations, as well as media representatives from ASEAN member countries, are invited to attend HAWANA 2024, which serves as a significant platform for professional media fraternity and industry experts to exchange ideas and establish strategic relationships.

The largest gathering of Malaysian journalists is organised by the Communications Ministry in collaboration with the Sarawak State Government, with Bernama being the implementing agency.

-- BERNAMA