Transition To Digital Magazine No Longer An Option, But A Necessity - DBP

KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Bernama) -- The transition from printed magazines to digital magazines is no longer an option, but a necessity in the fast-paced, technology-driven world, said chairman of the Board of Directors of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Datuk Dr Anwar Ridhwan.

He said the transition not only offers cost savings, but also increases accessibility and empowers content delivery in a more interactive manner.

"The use of the digital platform allows for costs related to printing, distribution and physical storage to be significantly reduced, thus making it friendlier for publishers and readers… it also provides wider opportunities for small publishers to reach a bigger market,” he said.

He said this when officiating the National Seminar on Publishing Magazines and New Media in Malay in Malaysia at Wisma DBP here today.

Anwar, who is also a National Laureate, said digital magazines also contribute to environmental sustainability as they eliminate the need for printed materials, which usually require the use of papers, ink and transportation energy, factors that contribute to deforestation and carbon emissions.

He added that digital content also offered a more interesting reading experience via interactive elements, such as videos, animations, links and instant feedback - an experience that conventional printed pages cannot provide.

"The younger generation, meanwhile, is closely associated with the digital world, resulting in them preferring digital magazines,” he said.

Meanwhile, DBP director-general Dr Hazami Jahari said that while the development of digital magazines should be lauded, issues of quality, credibility and authenticity of content must be emphasised. 

He said this was because in the context of new media, anyone can publish any writing or create any type of content.

"This makes moral and professional responsibilities even greater, particularly when it involves the use of language, presentation of facts and appreciation of cultural values,” he said.

As such, he said, publishing in new media needs to be supported by a sustainable ecosystem, including digital media training, information literacy awareness, clear publishing policies and incentives for writers or content creators as well as Malay language journalists.

-- BERNAMA