Journalism Continues To Play Vital Role Despite Changes In Media Landscape - Lee

KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Bernama) -- The journalism profession continues to play an important role in keeping the public informed, despite the rapid evolution of the media landscape brought about by digital technology and social media, according to social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

In conjunction with National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) celebrated in Penang today, he said journalists now operate in a fast-moving digital environment shaped largely by social media, where misinformation, fake news and rumours can spread rapidly.

Lee said that while social media enables news to reach audiences instantly, it has also made the profession more challenging as journalists are increasingly required to verify information circulating online.

“A large part of a journalist’s job today involves sorting through all this content to separate fact from fiction and show the public what is really true. They also face constant pressure to attract readers and gain views, often while working with fewer resources and even shorter deadlines,” he said in a statement today.

Elaborating, Lee said journalism had undergone significant changes since its early days, when reporters relied on notebooks, pens and landline telephones to gather information and had more time to research, verify facts and refine their reports.

Besides that, he said reporters also built strong personal relationships with sources and focused on accuracy and detailed, meaningful storytelling, while news editors played a key role in shaping reports before publication.

“Back then, typewriters, notebooks, and landline phones were the only tools available. With longer timeframes to research, verify details, and edit their work, journalists could ensure every story was as precise and reliable as possible,” he added.

Lee said research during that period often involved searching through archives of newspaper clippings as internet search engines were not available.

Despite the transformation in the way news is produced and distributed, he said the fundamental purpose of journalism has remained unchanged.

“Whether writing for a traditional newspaper or posting updates on social media, a good journalist’s most important duty remains the same: to tell the truth and keep the public well-informed,” he said.

The social activist also paid tribute to veteran journalists who helped build the country’s media industry and expressed appreciation to today’s reporters for their continued commitment to delivering news to the public.

“This weekend, we extend our gratitude and pay tribute to the veteran journalists who laid the foundations of our media industry. We also thank and appreciate today’s reporters, who continue to work hard every day to bring us the news we need. Thank you for everything you do,” he said.

-- BERNAMA