KUALA LUMPUR: The move by the Ministry of Communications to launch a journalism ethics manual is considered relevant and timely taking into account the current trends in the emergence of various media platforms.
Taylor’s University lecturer in the School of Media and Communication (Master’s Programme) Dr Azian Muhamad Adzmi said there has been an explosion of information technology which led to the emergence of various social media platforms, digital media and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as ‘journalists without licence’.
“I think that is something that should be done because we want to ensure that journalist code of ethics and standards are being trusted by the public,” she said when appearing as a guest on Bernama TV’s ‘Apa Khabar Malaysia’ programme today.
On Feb 6, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the ministry will launch a journalism ethics manual this month to clarify several aspects, including news verification.
Azian said the community also needs to understand that in order to disseminate news or information, media practitioners are bound by several acts and the news must also be true, accurate and authentic.
“The way news is processed by journalists who get formal education is different and they do not follow emotions but these unlicensed journalists, they write according to emotions,” she added.
Meanwhile, on the management of podcasts which has become the latest trend, Azian advised content creators to be more careful in their selection of guests.
“They should also wisely choose topics that will benefit the community,” she said. — BERNAMA
