From Notebooks To Whatsapp: The Evolving Challenges And Duties Of Modern Journalists
By Nur Afiradina Arshad
IPOH, May 25 (Bernama) -- Not too long ago, journalists relied heavily on pens, notebooks, and voice recorders. However, the technological boom has relegated these time-honoured tools of the journalism trade into oblivion, as they are replaced by artificial intelligence (AI) and the WhatsApp mobile application.
But does this convenience make the job easier, or is there a hidden cost behind the speed of technology?
Manjit Kaur, 49, a journalist with The Star Perak bureau, remains loyal to her reporter's notebook and pen, jotting down every piece of information she gathers during speeches at events, press conferences, or court proceedings.
Manjit, a journalist since 2000 who proudly wears the 'old school' label, said that using notebooks and pens has never been a barrier to writing fast, concise, and accurate news while acknowledging the need to adapt to change.
"In the past, journalists used small mobile phones, making it difficult to file stories like we do now. We had to return to the office to finish our stories using black-screened computers with green or white fonts and no spell check to help us type accurately," she told Bernama when contacted.
Manjit said that WhatsApp group chats have made obtaining information and facts about incidents such as accidents or crimes easier, adding that journalists only need to verify the authenticity with the relevant authorities, such as the police or fire department.
"This technology helps prevent journalists from being scooped by other media outlets. In the past, we would only realise we had missed a story when reading the newspapers the next day," she added.
According to Sinar Harian Perak bureau chief Saifullah Ahmad, 40, the main challenges journalists face today are securing credible sources and tackling the spread of fake news on social media, adding that when the public unethically shares content, journalists from legitimate organisations find it challenging to obtain reliable information.
"Therefore, mental and physical resilience is essential as journalists become targets of netizens unhappy with news that does not align with their preferences," he said, adding that media practitioners face criticism just by doing their job in reporting the truth.
"Additionally, the widespread use of AI presents a challenge as it enables rapid news production, but caution is necessary since not all information provided is accurate and reliable," he said.
Meanwhile, S. Balakrishnan, 65, a part-time reporter for Tamil newspaper Nanban Perak, acknowledged that financial issues are the biggest challenge facing the journalism industry today, as some media outlets have gone out of business.
"When I ventured into journalism in 1983 with the Tamil newspaper Nesan, journalists commanded respectable income, with bonuses of up to four months' salary.
"Now, part-time income is only around RM1,500. How can one support a family with that? The work is often unpredictable, with no guarantee of family time. If there is a major case, we are forced to burn the midnight oil," said Balakrishnan, admitting that he has advised his children not to pursue a career in journalism.
Balakrishnan expressed hope that this year's National Journalists Day (HAWANA) celebrations would help raise greater awareness about the industry while addressing key issues, including the financial constraints media organisations face.
The highlight of the HAWANA 2025 celebrations will be on June 14 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to officiate the celebrations, which will draw around 1,000 local and international media practitioners.
Organised by the Communications Ministry with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, HAWANA will feature a range of events, including a Pantun Festival on May 31, a pre-launch ceremony with strategic partners at Wisma Bernama on June 3, and a media forum co-hosted with the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) on June 14.
-- BERNAMA
