CYBERJAYA – The government may need to consider financially supporting the media industry to ensure news outlets can continue to keep an eye on and speak truth to power.
According to veteran newsman Datuk Zainul Arifin, changes in the industry have made the media business very challenging, and yet there is a need for a vigilant press to look after the public’s interest.
“While the media industry’s audience, platform and content has become more fragmented over the decades, we (media practitioners) still need to keep an eye on the government and potentially rogue business operations for the sake of the public.
“No one appointed us, we’re self-elected. But, at the same time, society requires us. So, if we’re not sustainable, then society is not served at all,” said Zainul, who is also group chief executive officer of Big Boom Media Sdn Bhd, which runs Scoop.my.
Zainul made these remarks as a panellist during the National Press Club’s (NPC) post-National Journalists’ Day (Hawana 2023) conference at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Centre of Excellence on Friday.
The panel also featured The Mole columnist and NPC committee member Abdul Rahmat Omar, as well as MCMC’s consumer and industry affairs division senior director Eneng Faridah Iskandar.
Furthermore, Zainul highlighted how key players in sectors crucial to the nation’s economy, such as padi farmers and rubber tappers, receive government incentives to support their trades.
“If we want to have a sustained and credible media industry, it has to be supported. The padi and rubber industry receive grants and other aids because their ensured stability is good for the country.
“Similarly, for democracy and society to function, the media must thrive.
“The government should look at this matter seriously, not only for the betterment of the media, but for the benefit of the country as a whole.”
Referring to Singapore’s news title, The Straits Times, which is funded by a trust fund, allowing it to operate on a not-for-profit basis, Zainul suggested that this could be a potential way forward for the media industry in Malaysia.
In 2021, SPH Media Trust, the publisher of The Straits Times, among others, separated from Singapore Press Holdings to become a not-for-profit entity following a significant decline in print media and a shift towards the digital arena.
Meanwhile, Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching, who delivered a keynote address during the event, emphasised the critical role of Malaysia’s media ecosystem in achieving sustainable journalism.
“It is imperative that we endow our media with knowledge that enables them to function as truth-tellers and discern information amid crisis. A thriving media can contribute more effectively to society,” she said.
“A sustainable and unrestricted media environment is critical for enhancing Malaysia’s reputation as an investment hub, facilitating effective communication and promoting public diplomacy.”
She also said that with NPC’s support, she believes that there is a high chance of the conference being a yearly ritual that will guarantee the sustainable continuation of the media’s development agenda. – October 29, 2023