KUALA LUMPUR: Changing trends among Gen Z, Gen Alpha and future generations have altered how news and messages are delivered, ensuring that younger audiences remain engaged.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said he has observed these trends over the last two years or so.
“For Bernama, as a self-sufficient, resilient, steadfast and sustainable organisation, there are many changes that we need to face and embrace.
“The public places great trust in Bernama, and we have no room for errors in delivering information,” he said in his speech at the presentation ceremony of appointment letters to Bernama Supervisory Council and Board of Governors members at Wisma Bernama yesterday.
However, Fahmi emphasised that any reforms must not compromise the quality, integrity and journalistic ethics that have been Bernama’s foundation for decades.
He also urged Bernama to proactively understand public concerns nationwide and produce accurate, ethical and relevant news content for all generations.
Fahmi further encouraged the newly appointed Board members to explore fundraising initiatives to bolster the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund, which aids media professionals in need.
“Bernama plays a key role in managing the annual National Journalists Day (HAWANA) and overseeing the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund, focusing on media welfare.
“I hope the Board will consider fundraising efforts to continue helping and supporting media practitioners in need,” Fahmi said.
Despite Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement of allocations for the fund, which Bernama manages effectively, Fahmi noted the need for sustainable funding mechanisms beyond relying solely on the Prime Minister’s Office.
“Feedback from recipients shows that some require more assistance, and if more funds are needed, what mechanism is there other than us continuing to depend on the Prime Minister’s Office, so I ask that Bernama and the Board carefully examine and prepare for this moving forward,” he added. — Bernama
