OANA MEMBERS SHOULD LEVERAGE AI TO STAY AHEAD IN EVOLVING MEDIA LANDSCAPE - BERNAMA CEO

By Rosmalis Anuar

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 17 (Bernama) -- Members of the Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) can leverage new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), to stay ahead in an evolving media landscape.

Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin said through OANA, members have an opportunity to set the standard for journalistic excellence, empowering their agencies to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

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"As media professionals, we share a responsibility to uphold the values of freedom of expression, ethical reporting and equitable news dissemination. 

"These principles are the cornerstone of a free and informed society," she said in her speech at the 54th OANA Executive Board Meeting (EBM) hosted by Bernama, here Monday (Feb 17).

It was attended by OANA Secretary General Zaman Rezakhani, who also serves as the Director of International Relations at the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), and Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj as well as representatives from 13 international news agencies.

Nur-ul Afida said the meeting was a critical platform to address the pressing challenges and opportunities defining today’s media landscape.

She noted that rapid technological advancements, shifting audience behaviours and the pervasive threat of misinformation required media professionals to think innovatively and collaboratively.

Nur-ul Afida said the 54th OANA EBM would explore key themes, including strategies for building a digital-first, audience-centric approach and combating misinformation and disinformation.

"These topics will be the focus of our panel discussions, providing valuable insights and actionable strategies for member agencies to implement in their respective organisations," she added.

Sharing Bernama's efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation, she said the news agency established an independent fact-checking initiative, MyCheck Malaysia, in March 2020.

Adhering to the standards set by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), Nur-ul Afida said MyCheck Malaysia focused on issues affecting societal harmony, safety, daily life, and economic well-being.

"The fact-checking process involves monitoring potential misinformation sources, collaborative discussions, thorough investigations and transparent reporting," she said.

Nur-ul Afida said the 54th OANA EBM was held at a significant moment as Malaysia is the Chair of ASEAN this year under the theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’.

She said numerous meetings would be held across the country as Malaysia is committed to fostering regional collaboration, economic growth and cultural understanding. 

"Bernama will provide comprehensive coverage of these ASEAN meetings and will share the news on the OANA channel for the benefit of our members," she said.

As one of the largest media organisations globally, representing 41 member agencies from 33 countries, Nur-ul Afida said OANA played a crucial role in shaping narratives, addressing challenges and championing the values of credible journalism.

Noting that OANA has stood as a pillar of journalistic integrity and cooperation since its establishment in 1961, she said it has grown to become a global powerhouse, disseminating two-thirds of the world’s information. 

"This impressive legacy is a testament to the collective strength of its members, who share a common commitment to delivering timely, accurate and balanced news to audiences worldwide," she said.

Nur-ul Afida said Bernama was proud to have been part of this journey for over 20 years, witnessing firsthand, as a longstanding member of the OANA Executive Board, the positive impact of the organisation in addressing challenges, fostering innovation, and uniting diverse voices under a shared mission.

-- BERNAMA