From Notebooks To Whatsapp: The Evolving Challenges And Duties Of Modern Journalists

Barnama

25-05-2025

Not too long ago, journalists relied heavily on pens, notebooks, and voice recorders. However, the technological boom has relegated these time-honoured tools of the journalism trade into oblivion, as they are replaced by artificial intelligence (AI) and the WhatsApp mobile application.
By Nur Afiradina Arshad
IPOH, May 25 (Bernama) -- Not too long ago, journalists relied heavily on pens, notebooks, and voice recorders. However, the technological boom has relegated these time-honoured tools of the journalism trade into oblivion, as they are replaced by artificial intelligence (AI) and the WhatsApp mobile application.
But does this convenience make the job easier, or is there a hidden cost behind the speed of technology?
Manjit Kaur, 49, a journalist with The Star Perak bureau, remains loyal to her reporter's notebook and pen, jotting down every piece of information she gathers during speeches at events, press conferences, or court proceedings.
Manjit, a journalist since 2000 who proudly wears the 'old school' label, said that using notebooks and pens has never been a barrier to writing fast, concise, and accurate news while acknowledging the need to adapt to change.
"In the past, journalists used small mobile phones, making it difficult to file stories like we do now. We had to return to the office to finish our stories using black-screened computers with green or white fonts and no spell check to help us type accurately," she told Bernama when contacted.
Manjit said that WhatsApp group chats have made obtaining information and facts about incidents such as accidents or crimes easier, adding that journalists only need to verify the authenticity with the relevant authorities, such as the police or fire department.
"This technology helps prevent journalists from being scooped by other media outlets. In the past, we would only realise we had missed a story when reading the newspapers the next day," she added.
According to Sinar Harian Perak bureau chief Saifullah Ahmad, 40, the main challenges journalists face today are securing credible sources and tackling the spread of fake news on social media, adding that when the public unethically shares content, journalists from legitimate organisations find it challenging to obtain reliable information.