KUALA LUMPUR: Rapid advances in digital technology require young journalists to become increasingly versatile if they are to remain relevant in the evolving media landscape, Bernama deputy editor-in-chief (News Service) Mohd Shukri Ishak said.
He said today’s journalists face far greater challenges than previous generations due to the rise of social media and artificial intelligence (AI), while also competing with a growing number of content creators and citizen journalists in delivering news.
“In the past, journalists may have focused primarily on writing. Today, they need to be multi-skilled, highly capable of reporting, producing content, conducting analysis and understanding a wide range of current issues,” he said when featured in Astro AWANI’s AWANI Pagi programme today in conjunction with National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026.
Speaking on the topic of ‘Media Integrity in the Digital Era: Navigating the Challenges of AI’, Mohd Shukri, who is also HAWANA 2026 project director, said that while technology has streamlined many aspects of newsroom operations, journalists must continue to prioritise a strong understanding of issues and the accuracy of information.
As such, he said AI should not be viewed as a threat to the media industry, but rather as a tool that can help journalists become more proactive and analytical in producing reports and content, while presenting information in more creative and effective ways.
Expanding on the changing media environment, Mohd Shukri said the race to secure exclusive scoops is no longer what it once was, as information can now be disseminated instantly by virtually anyone through digital platforms.
“Today, the media’s role is to verify information and educate the public to be more responsible in sharing content, particularly when dealing with false and misleading information on social media,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mohd Shukri said the HAWANA 2026 main celebration, themed ‘Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility’, will be held in Penang on June 20.
He added that this year’s celebrations will also feature the Riuh Pi HAWANA programme aimed at encouraging greater public participation.
Around 1,000 media practitioners from Malaysia and abroad are expected to attend the main celebration at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Arena Butterworth, which is scheduled to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. – BERNAMA
