Journalism’s Public Trust Role More Vital Amid Media Changes - Nur-ul Afida

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (Bernama) -- Journalism’s role as a public trust remains not only relevant but increasingly vital amid a rapidly evolving media landscape, said Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.

She said that at its best, journalism serves to inform, explain and connect, equipping citizens with the knowledge needed to make sound decisions, holding institutions accountable and giving voice to the voiceless.

These core functions, she stressed, do not diminish in times of change; rather, they become even more essential.

“In this context, the responsibility borne by journalists and media organisations is immense. It calls for vigilance in verification, discipline in reporting and integrity in judgment,” she said in her welcome address at the HAWANA 2026 Media Forum here today.

The forum will be officiated by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching.

Also present were Communications Ministry Deputy secretary-general (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Nik Kamaruzaman Nik Husin, Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.

Nur-ul Afida, who is also HAWANA 2026 Working Committee chairman, said the profession must also demonstrate a willingness to evolve by embracing new skills, technologies and approaches to audience engagement, without losing sight of its fundamental purpose.

Equally important, she noted, is the need for greater collaboration within the industry, as the challenges faced are not confined to any single organisation.

“They are shared challenges, and they require shared responses through dialogue, partnerships and a collective commitment to raising standards,” she said.

Regarding the HAWANA Media Forum, Nur-ul Afida said that for the first time in six years, the programme is being held on a separate date from the main HAWANA celebration, with a full day dedicated to discussion rather than the half-day format of previous editions.

“This allows for deeper engagement and a more meaningful exchange of ideas, and we hope all participants will fully benefit from this expanded platform,” she said.

She noted that the media industry today stands at a critical juncture, both globally and in Malaysia, as media organisations navigate complex and unforgiving environments.

“Traditional revenue streams are under pressure, audience behaviour is shifting rapidly and the demand for immediacy has intensified, sometimes at the expense of depth and verification.

“At the same time, public trust, arguably the most valuable currency of journalism, is being tested as never before. These realities form the backdrop to today’s forum,” she added.

The HAWANA 2026 Media Forum is held in conjunction with the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration on June 20.

The programme gathers more than 200 invited guests, comprising heads of media organisations, including those from Sabah and Sarawak, representatives of foreign media agencies in Malaysia, academics, public relations practitioners, as well as students from public and private universities.

-- BERNAMA