Kuala Lumpur: The growing preference for brief, sensational, and viral news content is perceived to be eroding the core values of in-depth journalism, which require accuracy, thorough research, and a comprehensive understanding of issues. Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) president Datuk Yong Soo Heong expressed concerns over this trend, highlighting the challenges faced in today's journalism landscape and the increasing neglect of long-form journalism.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Yong Soo Heong emphasized the need for responsible journalism in Malaysia's multi-ethnic society. He stated that journalism should not focus solely on negative aspects for the sake of sensational headlines but should instead promote positive values, understanding, and unity. He made these remarks during a forum titled "Cyber, Voice and Borders: Unravelling the Dynamics of Media Freedom in the Digital Era", which was officiated by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM).
Yong highlighted the evolving demands on journalists, who must now be fast, agile, competent, and authoritative in adapting to the rapidly changing media landscape. He noted that journalists not only compete with each other and media organizations but also with automation systems, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital platforms that continuously generate information.
Yong pointed out the significant influence of AI in newsrooms and smart devices, affecting how audiences receive information. He explained that algorithms can now generate headlines, article summaries, craft automated narratives, and produce fake images and videos, making it increasingly challenging to distinguish reality from illusion.
He further elaborated on the complexities of journalism today, which require technological literacy, data competency, and fact-checking skills. Journalists need to understand disinformation patterns, content distribution through algorithms, and assess the credibility of information beyond source names.
In his view, technology should not dictate journalistic actions. Instead, Yong encouraged learning to harness technology effectively, emphasizing that AI is merely a tool, and human values and rational thinking should prevail over speed or popularity. He stressed that credibility in media is a valuable asset, derived from continuous training, integrity in research, and honesty in delivering information.