IPOH: The way that people consume media has undergone a tremendous transformation in the last decade, and this is poised to change even more in the years ahead.
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said that one of the most significant shifts in recent years was the rise of social media as a primary source of news and entertainment.
"Online platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and now, TikTok have become the go-to destination for many people when they want to find out what is happening in the world or catch up on their favourite shows.
"This rise in the number of online platforms and ensuring changes in consumer habits are posing a threat to traditional media such as newspapers, radio and television in this era of the new media where content is delivered and consumed digitally," he said.
Fahmi said this in his speech at the Media Forum entitled "The Future of Media" in conjunction with the National Journalists' Day (Hawana) 2023 at Casuarina Hotel @ Meru here, today.
Among the panellists were REV Media Group chief operating officer Nicholas Sagau, Jakarta Post chief editor M. Taufiqurrahman, Malaysian Advertiser Association Mohamad Kadri Taib, RTM director general Suhaimi Sulaiman.
They were discussing the survival of traditional media in the digital era and journalism in the digital age.
Also present at the forum were Communications and Digital deputy minister Teo Nie Ching, New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd group managing editor Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman, New Straits Times (NST) group editor Farrah Naz Karim, Harian Metro group editor Husain Jahit and Berita Harian (BH) deputy group editor, M. Thillinadan.
Fahmi added that the traditional media is left with no choice but to jump on the bandwagon.
"In doing so, they have to innovate and change, such as by adopting new technologies and embracing online platforms.
"It is important for them to have striking content and great storytelling to stand out from the crowd," he said.
He added that the greater role of social media in people's lives has raised another concern, which is the spread of fake news and disinformation.
"It is crucial for responsible media not to fall prey to this worldwide phenomenon. Another trend we are likely to see in the future is the continued growth of streaming services.
"Some of these services have already disrupted the traditional television industry. They are likely to expand as more people opt to cut cords and rely on streaming for their entertainment needs," he added.
Having said that, Fahmi said that it was indeed that the media landscape was fraught with challenges.
"However, it depends on the media industry itself to navigate through them and make the future of media as it always is," he said.