SIBU: National Journalists Day is a recognition of the fraternity’s contributions to the country by the government.
In stating this, Sibu Journalists’ Association (SJA) chairman Yii Souk Ming thanked the government for setting aside May 29 as National Journalists Day.
“I am sure that May 29 will be a meaningful celebration to all journalists in this country.
“The role of journalists is always evolving, and it should be evolving according to the changing of time. That being said, I think the biggest challenge is the social media.
“Social media is a game changer but at the same time, social media is the way forward. It changed the way we do our jobs and write our news,” he said.
Yii, who is also a councillor of Sibu Municipal Council said if journalists do not embrace social media or refuse to accept technology, they will be irrelevant one day, in fact, already so.
He said journalists are no longer the only news providers because of social media.
Most of the time, he said netizens will know first before they do.
However, he pointed out it cannot be denied that the role of journalists is still important to provide accurate information.
Another challenge is how do journalists bring value to the community, especially the mainstream media, he said, adding that people have a distrust for mainstream media.
“I think what makes us different from other social media platforms is that we have the resources to bring value to the communities. As I said social media changed the way we write news and articles, and it should change.
“There are so many problems in this world. Do we highlight more problems hoping the government would do something about it or do we act as educators creating a positive impact on the community?
“What I hope for journalists, at least for journalists in Sibu here is to constantly improve their skills to stay competitive. I also hope that the government will continue to support us in our activities,” Yii added.
Deputy Chairperson of SJA, Madeline Jawai Stephen pointed out that there is no doubt that the media is now facing great challenges, especially in conveying information to attract readers and viewers to follow current developments.
She explained that the career of a journalist now requires one to constantly adapt to changes even more so in the face of technological advances.
Technological changes, she said, require a journalist to be versatile or be a total package whether in writing, visual recording, editing and the use of social media, including going live on Facebook if there is breaking news.
The authenticity of a news story should always be the main basis in writing, she said, adding the ethics of journalism should be present no matter what the situation to be authoritative and balanced.
“The diversity of information on the internet requires us journalists to invite the public to evaluate the authenticity of the news.
“The role of journalists and media practitioners needs to be recognised and appreciated more and more in driving the development of the country and shaping a knowledge society.
Meanwhile, Watt Zacchaeus, a committee member of SJA hoped this Journalists’ Day will make people about journalists role and their contribution.
