Comms Ministry launches handbook on factual, ethical reporting for journalists

KUALA LUMPUR: A handbook detailing guidelines for accurate and ethical reporting has been launched by the Communications Ministry.

Dubbed the Madani Mobile Journalism (Mojo) Reporter’s Handbook, the handbook was launched by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching.

She said it had a clear and singular objective for media practitioners and citizen journalists to know how to report events quickly and accurately while ensuring ethical information delivery.

“Readers are expected to be able to apply the knowledge gained and continue to improve their reporting skills through mobile journalism,” she said during her speech at the launch of the National Press Club of Malaysia (NPC) Professional Development Series here on Thursday (Dec 14).

The handbook provides an introduction to the basics of mobile reporting, reporting tools and technology setup, principles of news reporting and news ethics, among others.

It was developed through efforts by the ministry’s Tun Abdul Razak Institute of Broadcasting and Information, together with Universiti Teknologi Mara’s Communication and Media Studies Faculty, Communications Ministry, Information Department, Broadcasting Department and the Malaysian National News Organisation (BK).

Similarly, Teo said empowering journalists with the tools to differentiate between misinformation and facts seemed simple but noted how the situation had become increasingly complex and difficult.

While the government could regulate and run enforcement campaigns against media established to promote societal violence and hate speech, Teo said it came down to the individuals not to visit said sites.

“The rejection of harmful and dangerous content is not just good for the individual but for the nation,” she said.

On the launch of the Professional Development Series, Teo said the annual programme was envisaged to address gaps created by the evolving media landscape.

“It aims to contribute to the strengthening of Malaysia’s journalists, preparing them to deal with the reality of now and the changes on the near horizon,” she said.

The NPC Professional Development Series is a set of 10 interactive training courses designed for upskilling and empowering journalists across the country.

The programmes are scheduled to be held across 10 states including Cyberjaya and Putrajaya, Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Penang, Selangor, Sabah and Sarawak.

It aims to provide journalists with the communication skills and practical knowledge needed for their professional development and career advancement.