Kuala lumpur: Media practitioners covering the tragic bus crash involving students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) on June 9 faced criticism from netizens who accused them of sensationalising the incident. The tragedy, which claimed 15 lives, sparked discussions on the ethics of journalism and the responsibility journalists have towards the victims’ families.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Universiti Malaya Department of Media and Communications Studies senior lecturer Dr. Mohd Hafiz Faizal Mohamad Kamil emphasized that while journalists often work under time pressure to meet audience demands, this should not permit them to disregard journalistic ethics. These ethics, which include factual accuracy, accountability, fairness, and sensitivity, are crucial, particularly in reporting accidents.
Dr. Mohd Hafiz highlighted that journalists must ensure all published information is verified and sensitive to the families of victims. This involves avoiding sensational headlines and not publishing images without consent. He explained that media communication extends beyond reporting events to building public understanding and social response to issues. In the digital age, how news is delivered is influenced by interface designs and user interaction with news platforms.
Furthermore, Dr. Mohd Hafiz noted that Malaysia’s mainstream media, such as Bernama, RTM, TV3, and Astro Awani, continue to adhere to the journalistic code of ethics. These outlets verify facts and exercise caution with images. However, newer news portals and inexperienced reporters sometimes produce reports insensitive to public emotions due to less rigorous editorial processes.
He suggested that journalists practice trauma-informed journalism, which encourages empathy and avoids causing additional distress. He also stressed the role of digital communication in influencing user experience, noting that ethically designed news presentations are essential to avoid compounding trauma for readers.
Dr. Mohd Hafiz advocated for a holistic view of communication ethics that encompasses content, system design, and public literacy. He emphasized the shared responsibility among journalists, media organizations, system developers, platform providers, and users in ensuring respectful and empathetic reporting of tragedies.
Muhammad Firdaus Hassan, assistant news/online editor at ‘KOSMO!’ daily, reiterated that media personnel strive to remain professional and guided by journalistic ethics. He explained that journalists are bound by principles that ensure truthfulness and fairness, and they respect the privacy of subjects, especially in sensitive cases like the UPSI bus crash. He urged the public to understand the challenges journalists face in delivering information swiftly.
‘theSun’ photographer Masry Che Ani shared insights into the challenges photographers encounter when covering tragedies. He emphasized the importance of ethics and sensitivity when dealing with victims and their families, highlighting the necessity of obtaining permission for photographs.
The discussions surrounding the UPSI bus crash reporting underscore the importance of upholding journalistic ethics and the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in the digital media ecosystem to ensure respectful and empathetic communication.