KUALA LUMPUR: The importance of artificial intelligence, or AI, in the field of journalism today cannot be denied, especially to assist journalists in research and information gathering.
Malaysian Press Institute president Datuk Yong Soo Heung said despite AI's capabilities, it cannot replace the role of journalists, who would ultimately create their reports based on AI-sourced information while adhering to journalistic ethics. are
“The ability to write or deliver news is our core job as journalists. We cannot pretend and use AI to cheat our bosses.
Every journalist should be proud of their skills. AI is a tool to help productivity and research, but in the final article, they should use their skills to create their own work,” he told Bernama.
Yeung, who is also the former chief executive officer and editor-in-chief of Malaysia's National News Agency (Bernama), said media practitioners must be judicious in using AI without neglecting journalistic ethics, ensuring Ensuring that the information provided is based on reliable sources. According to a new code of journalistic ethics launched in February.
He said that while AI is convenient for media practitioners, it cannot be trusted 100 percent and, as emphasized in the Code of Conduct, journalists should make it a priority to continuously improve their journalistic skills.
Meanwhile, veteran journalist G Manimaran suggested that an ethical framework for the use of AI be developed at the media organization and national level to suggest measures to maintain the quality of journalism in the country.
Manimaran believes that this is in line with current developments in digital technology and AI, which require the establishment of such an ethical framework for the benefit of all parties involved in the world of journalism.
He said the framework should encompass every process of journalistic practice, from input gathering, story preparation, editing and distribution of various journalistic products across platforms today.
“AI is just a technological advancement and a tool that simplifies the journalistic process but the value of journalism itself cannot be compromised,” he said.
He said that despite the potential of technological advances, including AI, there are many challenges from the perspective of journalistic ethics, such as the lack of transparency in its use and the reliance on AI to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of journalists.
“AI decisions are not always comprehensible to humans and can sometimes be prone to errors, biases and biases, which are often overlooked. Inadequate oversight in the input and data collection process. Don't,” he said.
A Sarawak Media Conference (SMEC) 2024, to be held in Kuching, Sarawak from 25 to 27 May, in conjunction with National Journalists' Day (Havana) 2024, is themed 'Evolusi Media Dalam Era Digital' (Evolution of Media in the Digital Era). will be held, which will include distinguished speakers from national and international backgrounds.
With the theme of 'Etika Teras Kewartanan Mapan', Havana 2024 will be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on 27 May.
Havana 2024 is Malaysia's largest gathering of journalists, organized by the Ministry of Communications in collaboration with the Sarawak Government, with Bernama as the implementing agency.