Exists Recall Journalists’ Supportive Role In Entertainment Scene

BUTTERWORTH, June 20 (Bernama) -- Amid the glitz and fame of show business, legendary band Exists fondly recalled how journalists and editors once played a pivotal role in shielding artistes from potentially damaging controversies.

For Exists, the fact-checking culture and editorial diligence practised by mainstream media during the peak of the print era provided an important layer of protection, ensuring issues were properly vetted before publication.

Its lead guitarist, Along, said editors at the time played a key role in ensuring that every complaint or allegation against artistes was thoroughly reviewed, rather than being published outright.

“In the past, journalists and editors really helped protect artistes a lot. If fans had complaints or stories to share, they would write to the editor. If it was sensitive, it would be checked and reviewed first before being published.

“Journalists would also reach out to the artistes involved for clarification,” he told Bernama after the Riuh Pi HAWANA concert at the PICCA PICCA @ Arena Butterworth Convention Centre parking lot last night.

According to Along, this approach helped avoid misunderstandings and safeguarded artistes’ private lives from becoming the subject of unfounded gossip.

He said today’s media environment has changed significantly, where individuals can discreetly capture photos or videos and upload them to social media without considering the impact on the individual involved.

“These days, everything happens so fast. Some people just upload content without checking first. Eventually, the comment section gets filled with all kinds of views and criticism.

“If artistes read too many harsh comments, it can affect their emotions. That’s why artistes today need to be stronger, careful, and just stay out of trouble,” he said.

Meanwhile, Exists vocalist Mamat said the close ties with journalists since the band’s early days had been a key factor in keeping the group relevant and maintaining its presence in the industry until today.

He said journalists not only reported on the group’s career developments, but also continued to support the group whenever they faced challenges.

“I think I’m probably one of the artistes most often approached by journalists in Malaysia. But even with all the ups and downs Exists has gone through in this industry, they still give us space and let us move forward.

“Sometimes, the news written about us also include advice and words of encouragement that keep us going strong,” he said.

Reflecting on more than 30 years in the industry, Exists bassist Musa shared a light-hearted story that captured the close ties once shared between artistes and journalists.

He said that around 1997, an entertainment journalist even went as far as renting a recording studio just to experience jamming with Exists.

“He always followed us around and watched us play music. One day, he rented a studio and asked me and Ujang to go jamming.

“We just agreed to his request and ended up playing music together for almost two hours,” he said.

For Musa, the experience showed that the relationship between artistes and journalists at the time went beyond professional duties, evolving into a friendship built on mutual interest and respect.

At the same time, he believes professional journalists remain essential in the entertainment industry, as they are equipped with the skills and responsibility to deliver information more accurately and ethically.

“Real journalists are trained. They’re careful with their language, understand sensitivities and know what shouldn’t be published

“In fact, they can also set an example for other writers to produce more responsible content,” said Musa, who is currently busy making final preparations for the Memento Mori Concert, which will be held at the Unifi Arena on Aug 1.

-- BERNAMA