Sarawak: The media industry must continue to uphold the principles of accuracy, integrity, and ethical journalism in addressing the challenges of the digital era, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. He highlighted that developments in digital technology, including AI capable of generating indistinguishable images, audio, and videos, demand more responsible journalism to ensure truth prevails.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadillah emphasized that, in a fast-moving world, unverified information can go viral rapidly. If not managed efficiently, fake news and inaccuracies can create confusion, erode public trust, and undermine social harmony. He made these remarks during his speech at the dinner held in conjunction with National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 and the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2026.
Fadillah also urged media organizations to invest in human capital development. He advocated for equipping journalists with new skills, including data analytics, digital security, ethical AI use, fact-checking, and data journalism, to ensure the media industry remains relevant and competitive. He stressed the importance of journalists mastering their topics to deliver more accurate news in an easily understandable manner, especially in today's digital world.
SMeC 2026 gathered media practitioners, public relations professionals, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss the media's challenges and future in the digital era. At the event, Fadillah presented the Premier of Sarawak Special Appreciation Awards 2026 to 13 media practitioners for their significant contributions to delivering accurate and ethical information.
Among the awardees were Bernama's Sarawak Bureau photographer Ahmad Rushdan Abdul Manan, The Borneo Post journalist Churchill Edward Drem, RTM radio presenter Zaidi Bujang, and influencer Ahmad Faizal Osman, known as Cikgu Emmet. Ahmad Rushdan, who has served at Bernama since 1996, noted that AI technology presents challenges in maintaining image authenticity and credibility.
He stated that current technology allows for easier image alterations, necessitating strict adherence to journalistic ethics to ensure published visuals accurately reflect actual events. "AI has greatly improved work efficiency, but as media photographers, our primary responsibility is to ensure that the images we publish remain authentic and do not mislead the public," he said.