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31 May 2024
3 Min Read
Taylor's Team (Editor)
On May 9, 2024, Taylor’s Lakeside Campus hosted an influential gathering titled 'Media Insight Scope,' coinciding with World Press Freedom Day. The event, organised by the Diploma in Communication programme, was themed 'ECO-INFLUENCERS: Rethinking Environmental Content in the Digital Age.'
It aimed to address the critical role of media in environmental discourse amid global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
The forum underscored the media's vital role in shaping public opinion and influencing policy decisions related to environmental issues. However, significant hurdles such as misinformation, lack of training, and resource constraints continue to impede effective environmental reporting. Speakers from The Fourth, the Centre of Independent Journalism (CIJ), the International Centre for Journalism (ICFJ) and academia, including Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, explored strategies to overcome these obstacles, emphasising the need for integrity, multimedia storytelling, and community engagement.
During the forum, the experts discussed how the media could be more effectively used to educate the public on environmental sustainability. Dr Sabariah from UKM emphasised the importance of disseminating scientifically accurate information in an accessible and engaging manner, using visuals, storytelling, and multimedia content. Additionally, identifying the hierarchy of social media platforms in Malaysia could help tailor content to target audiences effectively.
Mr. Ian Yee, from ICFJ, highlighted investigative journalism's role in giving a voice to the voiceless and collaborating with environmental experts, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and advocacy groups. This approach not only raises awareness about sustainability initiatives but also promotes democratic values by holding power accountable and uplifting marginalised voices.
The event also featured workshops focusing on combatting hate speech and enhancing interviewing skills, which are crucial for ethical journalism. Key takeaways emphasised the importance of media literacy and critical thinking to navigate information disorder. The role of journalists in uncovering environmental injustices and advocating for systemic change was particularly noted, with real-life examples from investigations into student trafficking and illegal animal trade.
Moreover, the workshops highlighted the need for a clear understanding of hate speech, its real-life manifestations, and the responsibility of journalists and social media users in combating such issues. Upholding ethical journalism principles and pursuing truth and accountability were underscored as fundamental to fostering a well-informed public discourse.
Looking forward, panelists predicted significant trends that could shape environmental media coverage. One promising trend is the increased focus on investigative journalism to highlight solutions and success stories in environmental conservation. Innovative techniques like data visualisation and interactive storytelling could also enhance the impact of media content by making complex issues more comprehensible and engaging.
Conversely, the proliferation of fake news poses a severe threat to accurate environmental reporting. The ease of spreading misinformation on social media could lead to an overload of unverified information, impacting public perception, and policymaking.
The inaugural Media Insight Scope event provided deep insights into the evolving landscape of environmental journalism while establishing a dynamic platform for dialogue and collaboration among students, media professionals, and academics. This forum also empowered Diploma in Communication students to take the lead on a major project, developing essential leadership and communication skills. With the continuing of this series in the nearby future, the initiative promises further opportunities for student development and professional engagement in media and communication.
