KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and Zimbabwe's Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services explored ways to strengthen media cooperation through newsroom digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) and multimedia journalism during a meeting on Thursday.
During the courtesy visit to Wisma Bernama, the Zimbabwean delegation, led by the ministry's Secretary (Secretary General), Nick Mangwana, held discussions with Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj and the agency's senior management on newsroom operations, digital innovation and strategies to strengthen journalism in an evolving media landscape.
Discussions also focused on best practices in news production, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism, social media management and strategies to improve newsroom efficiency, with both sides underscoring the growing importance of multimedia journalism and the need for news organisations to adapt to changing technology and audience consumption habits.
Arul Rajoo said he hoped the visit would pave the way for stronger collaboration between media organisations in Malaysia and Zimbabwe.
"I hope your visit here today can serve as a catalyst for a long and productive partnership," he said.
Arul Rajoo said Bernama had continuously evolved to remain relevant, expanding its services from text and photographs to television, radio and digital platforms.
"We always look for new things to survive in this industry, so we try to adapt as soon as possible," he said.
Also present were Bernama Deputy Editor-in-Chief of News Services Mohd Shukri Ishak, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Economic News Services Harlina Samson, Head of TV Nor Hamzeela Md Hambali, and Executive Editor of International News Services Massita Ahmad.
The Zimbabwean delegation also comprised Legal Officer Rufaro Mupandasekwa, Cyber Officer Sithokozile Hlahla, Protocol Officer Joyful Dzimiri, Foreign Service Officer Anna Opah Tarisai Gandari and Zimbabwe Embassy in Malaysia counsellor Isheanopa Fanuel Rufu.
Mangwana said the visit came at a time when news agencies worldwide were undergoing profound changes in the way news was produced, distributed and monetised, making the exchange of knowledge and experience increasingly important.
"Most media and news agencies are struggling, considering the transition. News agencies used to sell news to other organisations and outlets across the world. Now, the news is mainly available to the public for free.
"In that transition, we have a lot to learn. We have a lot of notes to share," he said.
As part of efforts to combat misinformation, Mangwana said Zimbabwe was considering setting up a central government fact-checking platform where the public could verify information through an authoritative source.
“The idea that we are mulling is that we have a government hub, so that if somebody wants to fact-check something, they just go on the government hub,” he said.
Bernama has maintained cooperation with Zimbabwe's state-owned national news agency, New Ziana, through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in 2004.
-- BERNAMA