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AI serves as assistance to journalists, not replacement
AI serves as assistance to journalists, not replacement

The Sun

time20-05-2025

  • Business
  • The Sun

AI serves as assistance to journalists, not replacement

PETALING JAYA: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly prominent role in the news media landscape, offering innovative tools to boost efficiency and support media employees in their daily tasks. While Malaysian journalists recognise the benefits of integrating these tools into their routines, many also stress the need to preserve human creativity and editorial judgement in news delivery. For Hendra Winarno, a journalist with Utusan Malaysia, AI has proven to be a valuable companion in handling everyday work. 'Many routine tasks can be done faster with AI. For example, checking emails, writing reports or searching for information. It saves time and reduces stress,' said the 26-year-old reporter when contacted by theSun. While he acknowledged AI's contributions to the creative side of journalism, he cautioned against excessive dependence on it. 'You have to be careful too, do not simply rely on AI alone because it could lead to mistakes, especially when using incorrect data.' Hendra said AI's true value lies in its ability to enhance learning and promote skill development among journalists, making the job more engaging. A reporter from an English-language daily, who asked to be identified only as D, described AI as a powerful tool that acts as a support system rather than a replacement. She said AI tools help her work more efficiently, especially when time is tight, by handling the more tedious aspects of journalism, such as transcribing interviews, translating speeches and fact-checking. 'AI does not write my stories; I do. But it frees up my time so that I can focus on crafting stronger narratives and asking sharper questions. It enhances my workflow but it does not replace it.' D warned that while AI can speed up processes, it lacks emotional intelligence and cultural nuance, which are crucial to delivering compelling journalism. 'I always double-check the facts, re-frame the tone and ensure the final product reflects a human perspective, not a machine's,' she said. National Union of Journalists Malaysia secretary-general Teh Athira Yusof said while there are risks and challenges tied to the use of AI in journalism, the technology also offers opportunities that should not be overlooked. She added that the union is open to working with the soon-to-be-established Malaysian Media Council to develop guidelines regulating AI use in the local media industry. 'We hope that, with the media council, more guidelines could be issued. The union is ready to offer assistance on the matter in the future. 'There is a need for the ethical use of AI within journalism as the technology should not replace the talent, skill and creativity possessed by journalists. These are qualities that must be recognised and valued. This is important as it also secures better welfare for journalists working in the industry,' she said in a WhatsApp reply to theSun. She noted that several established media organisations in Malaysia have begun incorporating AI into their operations. Teh warned that human oversight remains crucial to maintaining public trust in the media, citing a recent controversy involving AI-generated content related to the Malaysian flag. 'If newsrooms are using AI, it must be done with proper checks and balances. We have seen improper use of AI with the flag issue. News organisations must be transparent in how they use AI. It should assist, not replace, the editors and journalists who are working hard on the ground.'

Govt ready to work with journalists' union on AI guidelines, says Fahmi
Govt ready to work with journalists' union on AI guidelines, says Fahmi

Free Malaysia Today

time04-05-2025

  • Business
  • Free Malaysia Today

Govt ready to work with journalists' union on AI guidelines, says Fahmi

Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said he is ready to listen to the views of the National Union of Journalists Malaysia, and representatives from the media and NGOs. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR : The communications ministry is prepared to meet the National Union of Journalist Malaysia (NUJM) to develop guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence in the media industry, said its minister, Fahmi Fadzil. Fahmi said clear guidelines and better understanding are essential if the media is to benefit from AI rather than suffer from its misuse, particularly in spreading misinformation and fake news. 'I am ready for an in-depth discussion with NUJM, representatives from media, non-governmental organisations, and journalists' clubs to take in their views. 'I will try to meet NUJM this week,' he told reporters after officiating an event in Lembah Pantai today. His remarks came after NUJM warned that the growing use of AI in the media brings both opportunities and risks. 'We hope that, with the media council, more guidelines can be issued, and the NUJM is ready to offer its assistance on the matter,' the union was quoted as saying. The spotlight on AI use in the media intensified after Sin Chew Daily came under fire over an AI-generated illustration of the Jalur Gemilang without the crescent moon- a blunder that triggered a police investigation and the detention of two senior editors. 'RSF improvement welcomed, but more needs to be done' Fahmi welcomed Malaysia's rise in the latest Reporters Without Borders (RSF) press freedom index, moving up to 88th position from 107th last year. He attributed the improvement to recent initiatives, including the tabling and passage of the Media Council Bill. Still, he said, the government's priority is not just better rankings but helping the media industry face growing challenges. 'Many challenges, such as employment issues and whether AI will replace the roles of journalists, need to be addressed immediately. 'RSF report gives us an opportunity to reflect and strengthen our efforts to defend the livelihoods of our media practitioners,' he said. Fahmi also said the government must strike a balance between press freedom and curbing misinformation that could disrupt public order, especially those related to race, religion, and royalty (3Rs). 'Malaysians and the media have the right to speak out and carry out their duties in reporting, but our existing laws still apply,' he said. The RSF report noted Malaysia's relatively poor scores in legislation (133rd) and political context (92nd), adding that self-censorship around 3R issues remains widespread.

Press freedom progress encouraging, but key issues remain
Press freedom progress encouraging, but key issues remain

New Straits Times

time04-05-2025

  • Business
  • New Straits Times

Press freedom progress encouraging, but key issues remain

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's climb to 19th place in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index marks encouraging progress, but there are still many challenges affecting the media industry that must be addressed, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said. The Communications Minister said the government's goal is not merely to see the country's ranking improve but to ensure that all aspects of press freedom are strengthened and continuously improved. "Our goal is not just to see Malaysia's position in media freedom indices improve. "But I recognise that our media colleagues are facing many challenges that need to be addressed urgently. "These include issues such as employment, welfare, and concerns about the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Will AI replace journalists? This is a significant issue we are facing. "This report allows us to reflect and redouble our efforts to advocate for the welfare of our media practitioners," he told reporters after launching the Universiti Malaya Public Health Campaign today. On the proposal from the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) to collaborate on establishing ethical guidelines for AI usage, Fahmi said he would make time to meet with the union's representatives this week. He added that in addition to NUJM, his ministry would also arrange meetings with journalist associations and the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI). "We do need guidelines and understanding so that we can benefit from AI and not fall victim to misinformation or the misuse of AI, especially in the media," he said. Yesterday, NUJM expressed concern about the increasing use of AI technology in the journalism industry, which brings both potential benefits and risks. The union's secretary-general, Teh Athira Mohamed Yusof, said NUJM is ready to collaborate with the Malaysian Media Council, which was established by the government, to develop ethical guidelines on AI usage.

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