Fact-checking, Editorial Oversight Set Mainstream Media Apart - Industry Veterans

By Kuvineshwaren Nedunjelian

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 (Bernama) -- An editorial structure built on rigorous fact-checking, multiple layers of review and adherence to journalistic ethics remains the key factor that distinguishes professional media organisations from citizen journalists.

Media Prima Berhad senior executive producer and news presenter Mior Abdul Malek Raiyani said public trust in mainstream media remains strong because it serves as a platform for verifying information amid the flood of unfiltered content on social media.

He said that although traditional media faces pressure to match the speed of social media, it cannot compromise on accuracy and accountability.

“The trust that viewers and followers place in us stems from our editorial structure. Information gathered in the field goes through several layers of scrutiny, from reporters and editors to chief editors for major stories.

“This process ensures that the news we deliver is credible and reliable. Social media may be faster, but the question is whether the information is accurate. Losing public trust is the greatest disaster any media organisation can face,” he said.

He said this during Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme titled Media Integrity, the Pulse of Public Trust, which also featured Astro Awani senior editor and senior host Nazri Kahar as a guest panellist via an online link.

Commenting on the transformation of modern newsrooms, Nazri said mainstream media organisations must adopt a Digital First approach and redefine the concept of prime time in order to remain relevant and competitive.

According to him, newsrooms are no longer confined to physical offices, as journalists and editors can now operate from virtually any location, particularly when covering breaking news.

“We can no longer wait for the top of the hour to broadcast news. Important updates must be delivered immediately through platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Threads and others.

“However, while striving to provide breaking news and real-time updates, we cannot compromise our journalistic ethics or disregard the regulations of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). What mainstream media offers is news that is verified and credible,” he said.

On the growing practice of mainstream media citing viral social media content, both panellists agreed that news organisations must be more selective and responsible, and should avoid being driven by the fear of missing out (FOMO).

Mior Abdul Malek said mainstream media should add value to viral content by conducting fact-checks, pursuing follow-up reports and helping to address issues raised, while also remaining sensitive to the emotions of families affected by incidents.

Meanwhile, with election season approaching, Nazri reminded media practitioners to uphold the principle of neutrality and safeguard their personal credibility, including when using their personal social media accounts.

He said the primary role of mainstream media is to provide fair, fact-based reporting and analysis that enables the public to make informed decisions.

“This is what distinguishes mainstream media from content creators and digital influencers who are not bound by the same journalistic standards and ethical responsibilities,” he said.

-- BERNAMA