By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Nov 11: Media practitioners must spread factual news and not fake news which is like virus that can ruin the society, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said, in order to get the news ‘viralled’, it must be based on facts to prevent it from becoming ‘virus’ which is poisonous to the people.
“’Viral’ is a new terminology to all of us. We all know it comes from the word virus which has negative connotation.
“So media practitioners must make sure they write factual news to prevent it from becoming virus that can destroy our society,” Abang Johari said at the memorandum of understanding between SV Sdn Bhd and Media Prima at State Legislative Assembly (DUN) complex here today.
He also placed high hope that the local media practitioners will hold dear to their oath of professionalism which is to adhere to the principle of writing based on facts and not emotion.
“That’s the only way we can educate our society,” he said.
The Chief Minister also believed that the print media will remain relevant as long as they based their writings and reports on facts which highlight the socio-economic development of the people.
The MoU between SV and Media Prima Berhad will lead to a strategic collaboration to enhance media services and content in Sarawak.
The collaboration with SV News’ publications namely, Suara Sarawak and New Sarawak Tribune, involves leveraging Media Prima’s integrated media platforms for mass reach and experience in news publishing, education content, broadcasting operations, content creation and digital consulting.
The overall areas of collaboration will include human capital development, technical know-how, news production, content exchange, distribution of educational content for primary and secondary students, as well as marketing and promotion of Sarawak local and international events.
As a start, Media Prima and SV News have already collaborated in various activities which include the distribution of BH’s education content, BH Didik, BH Minda and BH Skor in Suara Sarawak, and New Straits Times’ (NST) education content – NST School Times, in New Sarawak Tribune.
The MoU will also entails collaborations in terms of news contents, human resource development as well as marketing and training of journalists.
The MoU was signed by SV Sdn Bhd’s chief executive officer Dr Jeniri Amir and Media Prima’s managing director Datuk Kamal Khalid. — DayakDaily
