KUCHING: Press freedom and the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in media are likely to gain airtime as National Journalists Day (HAWANA) 2024 draws near.
Media experts expect these to be among the issues discussed throughout the three-day programme.
This is because, AI has become a very real tool that can aid society in addressing many issues, including the challenges faced by the media industry.
Communication Director of Citrine One Borneo Jacqueline David felt that democratised access to technology such as AI is separating real news with verifiable facts from fake news that intends to misdirect, misinform, confuse, or otherwise prevent the uninformed user from discerning reality from fiction.
“Sometimes, for example when using AI, journalists might take it as confirmed without verifications, and this could be dangerous.
“Meaning, when using AI, you cannot take the news at face value, many things need to be verified and not verifying the news could lead journalists to be summoned,” she said.
Jacqueline expects that the proposed formation of a Malaysian Media Council (MMC) would also be discussed during HAWANA.
On another note, lecturer from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Dr Intan Soliha Ibrahim said that journalists’ roles especially on how they gather and write the news should be among the issues discussed during HAWANA as well.
“From my observations, most of the time, on social media the headline does not reflect the story. Today, it has become a trend to rely more on trending and viral stories in the name of ratings and profit.
“While social media can be a useful tool for discovering breaking news and gauging public sentiment, it should not be the sole source of news for journalists as it has significant limitations and potential pitfalls.
“Journalists might use social media to get initial leads on a story, but they should then verify information through multiple credible sources, interview key stakeholders involved in the story, research background information to provide context, cross-check facts and figures from official records or expert analyses, and provide balanced coverage by including various viewpoints,” she said.
Intan added that freedom of the press should also be further discussed during HAWANA as like it or not, freedom of the press is crucial for the health and vitality of the democratic societies.
“It ensures that citizens are well informed, government actions are transparent and accountable, and human rights are protected.
“A free press in my context is integral to democracy, promoting social justice and supporting sustainable development.
“However, this freedom of the media should provide balance and stay objective, regardless,” she added.
Intan said journalists and media organisations must adapt to any changes in order to remain relevant and effective in the digital age.
