Shah Alam: Universiti Teknologi MARA’s (UiTM) ‘A Day with a Journalist’ programme has effectively exposed journalism students to the real-world challenges and experiences of reporting through hands-on field experience alongside professional journalists.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, journalism lecturer at the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, UiTM Shah Alam, Selangor, Fadzillah Aishah Ismail noted that the programme, a pivotal component of the News Writing subject, provides students with firsthand reporting experience by shadowing journalists from both print and electronic media organisations in the field. She emphasized that this exposure has successfully opened students’ minds and stimulated their interest in pursuing journalism careers post-graduation. Students have had opportunities to engage in news production and even share bylines with professional journalists.
Participant Ezureen Natasya Kahar Jaafar, a 21-year-old journalism student at UiTM Shah Alam, highlighted the programme’s role in instilling journalistic ethics. She shared her experience shadowing a journalist from the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), where the importance of authentic and timely news reporting was stressed.
Similarly, another participant, Kamelia Shaira Kamarudin, 21, who shadowed a journalist from Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), learned the significance of accuracy in news reports to ensure the public receives genuine information. She also gained insight into the demanding nature of journalism, which involves extensive travel and meeting deadlines.
Nurr Edrinna Junaidi, 21, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to write a news story during her assignment with a journalist from Sinar Harian. Despite the programme’s short duration, she found it valuable for gaining practical journalism experience.
In recognition of journalists’ contributions, May 29 is celebrated as National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) in the country, with this year’s theme being ‘Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics’. The event’s highlight was the opening ceremony by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) last Saturday. Various activities, including media sports events with traditional games and tours to premier polytechnics in Selangor, Perak, and Johor, continue to commemorate the occasion and inspire interest in journalism among the younger generation.