Reinvent to stay relevant, journalists and newspapers told

KUALA LUMPUR: Journalists and newspaper publishers should reinvent themselves to boost the sales of print media and ensure its continuity, said Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Azman Ujang.

“The circulation of newspapers in the country has been consistently dropping as people no longer depend on them for the latest news.

“They do not want to read today’s news tomorrow,” he said in his speech at Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Mainstream Media and Publication Vendors Association’s (Pamup) 4th annual dinner here yesterday.

Pointing out that people no longer subscribe to the standard news format and content, Azman said journalists and newspapers should present their reports in a more creative and investigative manner to remain relevant.

“While the print media industry continues to suffer, with the circulation of some print media dropping dramatically (due to the availability of other platforms), it remains sustainable.

“The irony of it all is that people are moving to online portals but advertisers do not prefer to place their advertisements there as people scroll past them,” he said.

During the event, Azman, who is also Pamup patron, presented insurance claim payouts totalling RM240,000 to next of kin of four deceased Pamup members.

Pamup deputy president S. Kumar said the members were given life insurance protection worth between RM50,000 and RM70,000.