Tag: Journalists

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 […]

PM Anwar Ibrahim Donates Sacrificial Cow To Pahang Media Practitioners

KUANTAN, May 28 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has donated a sacrificial cow to media practitioners in Pahang for this year’s Aidiladha celebration, in recognition of the role journalists play in connecting the government and the people. The donation, made for the first time, was received by Pahang Press, which organised the qurban programme at Kampung Anak Air here with the assistance of about 40 members of the Tok Peramu Qurban Squad. Pahang Press chairman Fazli Ahmad said the initiative enabled the distribution of sacrificial meat to journalists and photographers from various print and electronic media organisations, as well as residents of Kampung Anak Air. “Pahang Press would like to express its deepest appreciation to the Prime Minister for donating a cow for the ritual sacrifice, with the meat distributed to media personnel. “For media practitioners in Pahang, this gesture carries special meaning as it reflects recognition of our role in delivering information and serving as a bridge between the government and the people,” he told reporters here today. He said the programme also served as a platform to foster cooperation among media practitioners through gotong-royong activities, including giving some participants their first experience in preparing sacrificial meat. “This is a different experience because we not only received sacrificial meat, but also strengthened ties through the spirit of cooperation. Most importantly, it reflects the Prime Minister’s appreciation for the role of media personnel in Pahang,” he said. -- BERNAMA

KUANTAN, May 28 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has donated a sacrificial cow to media practitioners in Pahang for this year’s Aidiladha celebration, in recognition of the role journalists play in connecting the government and the people. The donation, made for the first time, was received by Pahang Press, which organised the qurban […]

Sports Journalists Play Vital Role Ahead Of 2027 SEA Games – Dr Mohammed Taufiq

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 — The role of sports journalists is becoming increasingly important ahead of major sporting events, including the 2027 SEA Games, as Malaysia prepares to host the Games, making close cooperation between the media and the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) even more vital, said its minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari. He […]