Journalists Must Embrace AI To Remain Relevant - Ashwad

KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 (Bernama) -- Journalists must embrace ArtificialIntelligence (AI) and develop the skills to use it effectively to remain relevant and competitive in the evolving media landscape, said Director-General of Broadcasting Ashwad Ismail.

He said media practitioners should not view AI as a threat to journalism but rather as a tool that complements human capabilities and strengthens the quality of journalistic work.

“Our job as journalists won't be taken over by robots, but I, as a journalist, will be taken over by another journalist who knows how to leverage, how to use and how to maximise AI to enhance his or her skills,” he said.

Ashwad said this when appearing on Bernama TV's The Nation programme titled 'Journalism, Trust and Listening to Malaysia', held in conjunction with National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026, today.

He said among the issues that concern him most are the inability of media practitioners to adapt to technological changes and the potential loss of jobs within the industry.

Ashwad said the use of AI in newsrooms must be guided by clear guidelines to help media organisations navigate fast-changing and unpredictable technology responsibly.

He said such guidelines were important to ensure AI was used to enhance human capacity and improve journalistic products.

“AI is here to stay, to enhance our human capacities, human qualities. AI is here to stay, to enhance our products. In this case, it's our journalistic products,” he said.

On rebuilding trust in the media, Ashwad said news organisations must return to the fundamentals of journalism by strengthening hyperlocal reporting and establishing meaningful engagement with communities.

“The human touch matters. So that's how I think it is important for us to actually build trust,” he said.

With the theme ‘Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility’, HAWANA 2026 is organised by the Communications Ministry with Bernama as the implementing agency to recognise the contributions, dedication and professionalism of media practitioners in the country.

The culmination of HAWANA 2026 will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at PICCA Convention Centre @ Arena Butterworth, Penang on June 20 and is expected to be attended by more than 1,200 guests, including media practitioners, ASEAN delegates and official invitees.

-- BERNAMA