SEVERAL young journalists have expressed hope for the media council to be established soon and for their involvement as council members to be considered.
The setting up of the council will be a reinstatement of media integrity, following the proliferation of fake news and misinformation in recent years, they say.
Shahrin Aizat, from the Malay Mail, 28, says it is time for the country’s media to have an oversight body to enhance the industry’s quality. He also reminds those drafting the Bill to ensure the council also focuses on protecting journalists.
“The Bill to form a media council should be celebrated by both the industry and the government as it is a long-awaited step to elevate and protect members of the press.
“However, it is important to note that the spirit of the Bill should emphasise protecting journalists rather than just regulating them.”
He also calls for the inclusion of young journalists among the council’s committee members.
“The involvement of young journalists should not just be limited to having opinions. At least 30% representation in the council must be considered.”
The Malaysian Insight journalist Seth Akmal, 30, says the council should poise itself as a bastion of the media industry.
“The establishment of the media council needs to be expedited to reinstate dignity among journalists as part of the fourth estate.
“It is our duty to inform the public and get to the truth, especially in the wake of widespread misinformation.
“A media council will furthermore bolster our relevance as part of society.”
Malaysiakini’s Isabelle Leong, 29, says the formation of the council will be in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s tagline: Malaysia Madani.
“What better time than now, to ensure that press freedom in the country does not deteriorate to pre-2018 levels? A conducive environment for media practitioners is pertinent to safeguard and defend media freedom.
“The formation of the media council is extremely timely to curb fake news in this day and age when it is rampant.
“Fake news, which poses a huge issue, has been a setback in the media industry.
“At the same time, the council can ensure that media organisations will adhere to ethical practices and steer away from sensationalism and biased reporting.
“This also will benefit Malaysians by ensuring access to reliable and trustworthy information.”
Leong also echoes Shahrin’s call for the inclusion of young journalists in the council to help moot ideas in keeping up with the industry’s growth and appeal to their peers.
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