Media Practitioners Must Work Together to Curbing Negative Elements on Social Media
The Challenge of Social Media
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof emphasized that media practitioners, as the government’s strategic communication partners, need to work together to curb negative elements on social media, including cyberbullying and tackling fake news. The speed at which information and news spread in the digital world, added with the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), requires a high level of readiness, including the media.
The Role of Media Practitioners
Besides reporting cyberbullying cases, scams, and other issues, media practitioners can play the role of shields in rebuffing fake news that will flood social media. Mainstream media can also play their role and responsibility to boost public awareness about the threat and dangers of getting involved in social media crime. Fadillah added that media practitioners can report cyberbullying cases and scams, and also act as shields to rebuff fake news that will flood social media.
Combating Fake News and Cyberbullying
Fadillah emphasized that the development of social media platforms cannot be used as tools to spread hatred between races and religions, to spread lies and slander, and other negative issues that can affect public order. To combat fake news and cyberbullying, the government agrees that the Online Security Bill will be tabled in Dewan Rakyat to ensure that the country has tougher laws to tackle crimes linked to social media.
Support for Journalists and Media Practitioners
Fadilah announced an allocation of RM150,000 to the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) to help the union strengthen its role in ensuring the welfare of journalists and media practitioners in Malaysia. He praised NUJM for its role and responsibilities in championing the welfare of its members in the 62 years since its establishment.
The Role of Workers’ Unions
In the current challenging economic environment, the media industry is among the most affected economic segment, which has seen the closure of main media outlets and a reduction in operations. The role of workers’ unions like NUJM, as an intermediary between its members and employers, enables welfare issues such as rate of allowances or workers’ salaries to be discussed in a more orderly and congenial fashion.
The Malaysian Media Council
On the setting up of the Malaysian Media Council and the drafting of its Act, Fadillah said the government hopes for media practitioners and media workers’ unions to be involved and to support such efforts to realize the council’s agenda. He emphasized that cooperation between all stakeholders will ensure the intention of the setting up of the council can fulfill its goals, and help journalism professionals to continue to progress.
Awards Presented
Fadillah also presented several awards at the gala dinner, including the Women’s Leadership Award to Media Prima deputy group managing editor Farrah Naz Abd Karim and the Lifetime Achievement Award to Radio Televisyen Malaysia director-general Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman.
Conclusion
In conclusion, media practitioners must work together to combat negative elements on social media, including cyberbullying and fake news. It is essential to have tougher laws to tackle crimes linked to social media and to support journalists and media practitioners in their role as watchdogs of society.
FAQs
Q: What is the role of media practitioners in combating cyberbullying and fake news?
A: Media practitioners can report cyberbullying cases, scams, and other issues, and act as shields to rebuff fake news that will flood social media.
Q: What is the government doing to combat fake news and cyberbullying?
A: The government agrees to table the Online Security Bill in Dewan Rakyat to ensure that the country has tougher laws to tackle crimes linked to social media.
Q: How can media practitioners support the Malaysian Media Council?
A: Media practitioners can get involved and support the efforts of the Malaysian Media Council to realize its agenda, which aims to promote professional journalism and media ethics.
Q: What is the role of workers’ unions like NUJM in supporting journalists and media practitioners?
A: Workers’ unions like NUJM act as intermediaries between their members and employers, enabling welfare issues such as rate of allowances or workers’ salaries to be discussed in a more orderly and congenial fashion.