KUCHING: Media organisations must find new and sustainable revenue streams without compromising editorial independence.
Speaking during a panel session at the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2026, Sarawak Media Group Sdn Bhd’s Chairwoman, Datuk Norhyati Mohd Ismail, stressed that public service journalism should remain the industry’s top priority.
“While media organisations need to generate income to sustain operations and pay journalists, there must always be a clear separation between the business and editorial sides.
“Public service comes first. We have to make money to keep the organisation running, but there should be a wall between business and the newsroom.
“Let journalists serve the people,” she said during the panel session at Pullman Kuching this afternoon.
She added that media organisations must be smart in identifying stories that have a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
“For example, when private or government organisations such as PETROS organise community programmes that have a significant impact on the people and the country, those programmes or write-ups may attract the attention of advertisers.
“Either way, media organisations have to find other ways to generate revenue for survival,” she said.
Meanwhile, Kupi-Kupi FM Sabah and Sarawak founder, Rita Sim Sai Hoon, said the traditional advertising model is rapidly declining, while digital advertising alone generates relatively little revenue.
Using Kupi-Kupi FM as an example, she said the radio station has expanded beyond broadcasting by organising community programmes, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and public events.
“Our presenters and DJs actively engage with communities through on-the-ground activities, allowing companies to sponsor programmes that support their environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments.
“Community engagement helps build relationships and creates new opportunities for sponsorship,” she said.
