Hawana: In a rapidly evolving era of artificial intelligence (AI), media practitioners must go beyond traditional roles as news reporters by mastering digital skills to ensure information delivery remains relevant and effective. This necessity is reflected in the theme of National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026, 'Media Berintegriti, Teras Kredibiliti' (Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility), which emphasises the importance of organisations adapting to technological changes without compromising journalistic principles.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Tun Abdul Razak Broadcasting and Information Institute (IPPTAR) continues to strengthen its role in ensuring media practitioners, especially those registered with the Department of Information Malaysia, remain competitive through training and upskilling programmes on new technologies. IPPTAR director Datuk Roslan Ariffin said this move is in line with the current challenges facing the media industry, which is experiencing major shifts in information delivery methods driven by the rapid development of digital technology and AI.
He noted that since 2024, IPPTAR has expanded its function from focusing solely on broadcasting and information sectors to encompassing the entire media ecosystem under the slogan 'IPPTAR for All'. "In 2024, we began emphasising how IPPTAR could assist the media industry and journalists facing new challenges in integrating digital technology into daily tasks and ensuring it remains sustainable in this new era since AI gained attention in 2023," he said in an exclusive interview in conjunction with HAWANA 2026.
Roslan highlighted that about 25 per cent of the 80 courses organised by IPPTAR annually now focus on AI, digital technology, and social media to help media practitioners enhance efficiency and productivity. He said the training involves journalists, photographers, subeditors, graphic designers, and newsroom staff to ensure they adapt to evolving industry requirements.
"For example, IPPTAR teaches how a journalist can be more than just a reporter, but a digital journalist capable of producing their own graphics and mastering various additional skills to be better prepared before providing coverage while in the field, and when producing news," said the former chief executive officer of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama).
He added that the training has also been extended beyond the Klang Valley to Penang, Sabah, and Sarawak, allowing more media practitioners to access technology and digital training. To ensure that new technology, especially AI, is utilised responsibly and in accordance with journalistic principles, Roslan said IPPTAR is collaborating with several public institutions of higher learning (IPTA) to develop guidelines and ethics for the use of AI in journalism.
Apart from IPPTAR's training programmes, he said, efforts to strengthen the media industry's resilience are also supported by the Media Innovation Fund, introduced by the Ministry of Communications with a RM30 million allocation, which covers training, equipment, software, and research and development (RandD). "We ensure all applicants for this fund meet the training scope. The purpose is to ensure journalists and media practitioners continue receiving the training and knowledge upgrades required by the industry," he said.
He also hoped the Ministry of Communications would continue to support the fund to help the local media industry remain competitive and meet international standards, especially as media organisations face financial pressure from declining advertising revenue and challenges posed by the digital transition. "Furthermore, many countries emphasise digital media development because that is the future of the industry. While broadcasting used to rely on television and newspapers on print editions, most consumers now obtain information through smartphones and digital platforms," he said.
Meanwhile, Roslan said IPPTAR, together with the Ministry of Communications, is looking into the possibility of allowing media companies that previously received the fund to resubmit applications in the next phase to reflect current industry needs. Previously, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said RM20.14 million or 67.1 per cent of the overall RM30 million allocation under the Media Innovation Fund had been approved, benefiting 60 media organisations nationwide, while the remaining RM9.86 million will be distributed in subsequent phases.