KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 20 — The journalism profession continues to play an important role in ensuring that the public receives accurate information even though the media landscape is rapidly evolving due to advances in digital technology and social media, said social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
In conjunction with the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration in Penang today, he said journalists now operate in a fast-moving digital environment and are heavily influenced by social media when inaccurate information, fake news and rumours can spread quickly.
Lam Thye said that although social media allows news to be delivered to the public instantly, it also makes the journalism profession more challenging as journalists are increasingly required to verify information circulating online.
“A large part of a journalist’s job today involves the process of examining various content to distinguish between fact and fiction and ensure that the public knows the truth.”
” They also face constant pressure to attract readers and increase viewership, often with more limited resources and shorter time frames,” he said in a statement today.
Elaborating further, Lam Thye said journalism has undergone significant changes since the early days of the profession when journalists relied on notebooks, pens and landline phones to obtain information and had more time to research, verify facts and refine their reports.
Apart from that, he said journalists also build strong personal relationships with sources of information and focus on accuracy and delivering stories in detail and meaningfully, while news editors play an important role in shaping reports before publication.
“Back then, there were only typewriters, notebooks and landline phones. With more time to research, verify information and edit their work, journalists were able to ensure that every report was completely accurate and reliable,” he said.
Lam Thye said the research process at that time often involved searching through archived newspaper clippings since internet search engines did not yet exist.
Although the way news is produced and distributed has undergone major transformations, he said the fundamental purpose of journalism remains unchanged.
“Whether writing for a traditional newspaper or posting developments on social media, the most important responsibility of a good journalist remains the same, which is to convey the truth and ensure that the public always receives accurate information,” he said.
The social activist also expressed his appreciation to veteran journalists who helped develop the country’s media industry, as well as expressing his appreciation to the current generation of journalists for their continued commitment in delivering news to the people.
“This weekend, we would like to express our appreciation and pay tribute to veteran journalists who laid the foundation of the country’s media industry. We also express our gratitude and appreciation to the journalists today for their hard work every day to bring us the news we need. Thank you for all your services and sacrifices,” he said.
— BERNAMA
