Tag: issue

AI cannot replace the experience of journalists in the field – Expert

KOTA BHARU: The ability to master artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the newsroom world is no longer considered an option, but rather a critical necessity in facing an increasingly challenging and competitive media landscape. As digital change moves at a rapid pace, media organizations' failure to integrate AI technology into operations can not only affect efficiency and productivity but also risk falling behind in the competition to remain relevant to audience needs. However, despite the advantages of technology that can speed up news production, concerns have arisen about excessive reliance on AI and digital sources, which are feared to erode the fundamental values ​​of journalism, including the grassroots culture that is the backbone of quality reporting. The concern stems from an ongoing debate about the tendency of some reports to rely too heavily on information on social media or online sources, which is then processed using AI without direct verification at the scene. Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Modern Languages ​​and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Dr Syed Agil Shekh Alsagoff said that AI can indeed be an effective tool to increase productivity in newsrooms, but it cannot replace the experience and editorial judgment of journalists in the field. He said that the main strength of journalists in producing high-impact reports remains their ability to see the real situation for themselves, meet with the community and obtain confirmation from various sources before a piece of news is published. "If journalists rely too much on AI and digital sources, the culture of going to the field will diminish, whereas the presence of journalists in the field is very important to understand the true context of an issue and obtain a more accurate picture," he told Bernama. Syed Agil said that the field approach not only provides valuable experience to journalists, but also helps produce more comprehensive reports with stronger narratives based on direct observations at the scene. He explained that the situation is different from reports that rely too much on AI and social media, which risks making the news "bland" because technology is only capable of processing data without understanding the emotions and sensitivities of society. "The experience of being on the scene of an incident allows journalists to understand the emotions, atmosphere and real reality that technology cannot fully translate. For example, when a disaster occurs, journalists who go to the field can better translate the news narrative. "While AI and social media can only help produce reports quickly, they cannot replace the experience of journalists who see firsthand the suffering of victims, the fear during conflicts and the grief of families who have lost loved ones," he said. In this regard, Syed Agil stressed that journalism is not just about presenting facts but also involves understanding the pulse of humanity and the reality of society, in addition to demanding the production of ethical reports through presence in the field. At the same time, he did not deny the benefits of AI if used wisely, especially in research, data analysis and multimedia content production, but it still needs to be balanced with the basic values ​​of journalism. "AI is an aid, journalists still need to go out into the field to see, hear and understand an issue for themselves. Without that element, reports may be completed quickly but lose their soul and human values," he said. Therefore, in conjunction with the celebration of National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 on June 20, he said, it should be used as a platform to strengthen the balance between technological advancements and human values ​​in journalism to ensure that the media industry continues to be relevant and trusted by the community. Themed "Media with Integrity, Credibility at the Core", the highlight of this year's HAWANA celebration will take place at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Arena Butterworth, Penang, and will be officiated by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Organised by the Ministry of Communications with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, HAWANA is a platform to acknowledge the contributions, perseverance and professionalism of media practitioners in Malaysia. -- BERNAMA

KOTA BHARU: The ability to master artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the newsroom world is no longer considered an option, but rather a critical necessity in facing an increasingly challenging and competitive media landscape. As digital change moves at a rapid pace, media organizations’ failure to integrate AI technology into operations can not only affect […]