Wong (third from right) and Azman (left) with other guests at the event. — Bernama
THE Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) can evolve with the changing media landscape by capitalising on its position as a trusted source of news to generate more revenue, says Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.
He said the media landscape had changed, as many had shifted to social media platforms for their daily dose of news and were more interested in stories delivered via platforms that were more relaxed and casual.
“There are many ways to tell a story. Even though Bernama is known as a government news agency, I think we can improve and go beyond by being commercially driven but interesting, for example with human interest and entertainment stories.
“Social media should play a bigger role for Bernama. We should exploit it to the fullest,” he said after a Bernama luncheon in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Wong said he would assist Bernama to increase its revenue this year and attract more media outlets to its services.
“I’ve met many sponsors and media groups, convincing them to put their money into Bernama because we are the one who distributes news.
“Bernama has been able to play its role in delivering the best, responsible and trusted news,” Wong said.
The luncheon, he said, was held to continue Bernama’s tradition of appreciating and celebrating its staff, customers and media friends in conjunction with festivities.
He said the luncheon, attended by some 100 people, was filled with camaraderie and presented a good opportunity to strengthen friendships.
“Bernama will hold its Hari Raya open house next month,” he said.
Among those who attended the was Star Media Group chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng.
Also present were Malaysian Broadcasting Department director-general Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman, Malaysian Press Institute president Datuk Yong Soo Heong, The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd group managing editor Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman and Media Prima Group TV Network editor Kamaruddin Mape.
Others were former Bernama chairmen Datuk Seri Azman Ujang and Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi, Bernama chief executive officer Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.
