National Journalists’ Day 2023 driver of growth for media sector: Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR – This year’s National Journalists’ Day (Hawana 2023) is a good stepping stone for growth in the media industry, said Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

During the pre-launch of Hawana 2023, Fahmi expressed his excitement that the upcoming event would see participation by media practitioners from neighbouring countries.

Hawana 2023, an event that pays tribute to media practitioners in the country, will take place from May 27 to 29 in Perak.

Revealing the event’s theme as “Media bebas tunjang demokrasi” (free media is the backbone of democracy), he said it also reflects the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of individuals in the industry.

“This is a good start. I hope this event will be a catalyst for growth in the media sector,” he told reporters at Wisma Bernama today.

“(This event also) affirms that the unity government is committed to examining matters raised, including media practitioners’ welfare, and the future of the industry itself,” he added.

The Lembah Pantai MP also took the opportunity to send well-wishes to those in the industry before the upcoming celebration.

“In conjunction with Hawana 2023, I wish all media practitioners well for their duties.

“Everything you do helps our country move forward,” he said.

Also in attendance were deputy secretary-general (strategic and creative industry) Mastura Ahmad Mustafa and other chief editors in the media industry.

May 29 was recognised as National Journalists’ Day, inspired by the publication of Utusan Melayu’s first edition on the same date in 1939.

It celebrates the contributions of industry players, who foster an informed and cooperative society, as well as drive positive change in the industry.

Govt eyes “win-win-win” situation

Fahmi also said that the government is seeking efficacious measures to benefit all parties in the media sector.

Describing his aspiration as a “win-win-win” situation for media practitioners, organisations, and readers, he said appropriate measures undertaken in foreign countries will be taken into consideration and implemented locally. 

“We see several other countries making efforts to ensure matters related to their local media are protected,” he told reporters.

“I believe we have to carefully study these efforts, so that we can find a solution to help our media friends. 

“If the government can look into these matters, there will be a ‘win-win-win’ situation for media practitioners, organisations, and readers,” he added. 

The Lembah Pantai MP stressed that matters of strong concern to practitioners are their welfare and career security in the industry. 

Meanwhile, the government will also see if it can assist media organisations in terms of business models. 

For media consumers, the government will look into the debate surrounding the effectiveness of  paywalls, pointing out that readers are always yearning to receive information. 

“A common question from various media platforms is whether paywalls work. If consumers pay, will they read the news?” he asked, echoing a common question on the matter.

“I believe the debate is still going on, but it is clear that many media (companies) have changed their strategies,” he said. “Regardless, general readers would always be thirsty for information.” – The Vibes, May 15, 2023