OVER the past few days, I had the privilege of attending a two-day workshop titled ‘Journalism in a New Media World’ organised by the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI).
The workshop featured two prominent figures in the nation’s media industry — New Straits Times’ Group Editor, Farrah Naz Karim, and Executive Editor, Sharanjit Singh.
The two days were invigorating as Farrah and Sharanjit shared invaluable insights, offering perspectives from the national media landscape.
What resonated with me most was their generosity in sharing personal experiences and professional wisdom.
Farrah, a two-time Kajai Award winner at the prestigious Hadiah Kewartawanan Malaysia (HKM) MPI-PETRONAS, is celebrated for her excellence in investigative journalism.
Similarly, Sharanjit is a recipient of the esteemed HKM MPI-PETRONAS Best Investigative Journalist Award.
The two-day workshop on ‘Journalism in a New Media World’ was a profound reminder of the importance of lifelong learning, particularly in a field as dynamic and fast-evolving as journalism.
One of the key themes that emerged from the sessions was the necessity for journalists to continuously adapt and grow, both in terms of technical skills and personal development.
In an industry that is increasingly shaped by digital tools, multimedia platforms, and rapidly shifting audience behaviours, the idea of lifelong learning is not just a recommendation but a requirement for success.
Traditional media, once the dominant force in news dissemination, has given way to a more complex ecosystem where digital platforms and social media play an increasingly critical role.
As a result, journalists today must be more adaptable than ever before.
One of the most significant challenges is the constant flow of new tools and technologies that revolutionise how news is reported and consumed.
From video editing software to podcast production tools, the modern journalist must be a jack of all trades, capable of producing content across multiple formats.
This necessity for versatility shows the importance of continuous learning.
In the past, journalists could rely on a strong foundation in writing or broadcasting to build their careers.
However, the current media environment demands a broader skill set.
Journalists must now be proficient in multimedia storytelling, including video, audio, photography, and social media engagement.
Each of these requires a unique approach, and learning how to navigate them effectively is crucial.
This means that learning cannot stop after formal education; it must continue throughout one’s career.
The workshop also highlighted the importance of learning from peers and colleagues.
Journalism is often a solitary endeavour, with writers or broadcasters working independently to craft stories.
However, collaboration is a crucial aspect of modern journalism.
Working in a newsroom or within a media organisation means being part of a team where ideas are constantly exchanged and learning from one another becomes a daily practice.
Whether it’s through mentorship, team collaboration, or simply observing how others approach their work, journalists are constantly learning from those around them.
Being open to feedback and constructive criticism is an essential part of this process, as it helps individuals grow and refine their skills.
At the same time, the workshop stressed the importance of staying curious. Journalists are, at their core, storytellers with a deep curiosity about the world around them.
This curiosity drives them to ask questions, dig deeper into issues, and seek out stories that might otherwise go untold. In this way, lifelong learning is not just about keeping up with industry trends.
It is also about maintaining a sense of wonder and curiosity throughout one’s career.
It’s about being open to new experiences, learning from every person you interview, and continually seeking to broaden your understanding of the world.
Ultimately, the workshop was a powerful reminder that journalism is not a static profession.
The tools and platforms we use may change, the audience may evolve, and the stories we tell may shift in focus, but the core of journalism—truthseeking, storytelling, and public service—remains the same.
To stay effective in this role, journalists must embrace lifelong learning.
Whether mastering new technologies, collaborating with colleagues, learning from mistakes, or expanding one’s worldview, continuous learning is essential to thriving in this field.
Being open to lifelong learning enables journalists to remain relevant, innovative, and impactful in a media landscape that is constantly in flux. It’s not just about keeping pace with technology but about growing both personally and professionally.
Lifelong learning in journalism involves being curious, adaptable, and committed to evolving as both a storyteller and a person.
It’s a journey that never truly ends and one that ensures journalists can continue to serve the public with integrity and excellence, no matter how much the world around them changes.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
