Unregulated influencers, podcasts, AI eroding journalism standards, warns Premier

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By Amanda L

KUCHING, Dec 21: Professional journalism is facing growing pressure from unregulated digital content, podcasts, and self-proclaimed influencers who lack ethical standards and accountability, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg warned.

He said the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital platforms has allowed almost anyone to produce and disseminate content, blurring the line between credible journalism and unverified opinion, and posing a serious challenge to truth-based reporting.

“Today, everyone can have a podcast and claim to know everything. Some simply reproduce content generated by artificial intelligence and present it as their own,” he said, adding that this trend threatens the integrity of information consumed by the public.

He said this when speaking at the Kenyalang Journalism Awards (KJA) 2025 at a hotel here on Saturday (Dec 20).

He stressed that, unlike professional journalists, many influencers operate without editorial discipline, fact-checking, or responsibility to the public, yet can shape opinions and influence behaviour through digital reach.

“In the end, people will still judge what is true and what is not based on credibility. That credibility must come from journalists who read widely, analyse deeply, and verify facts before reporting,” he added.

Abang Johari noted that while artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies now dominate daily life and decision-making, the human brain remains essential in determining whether information is accurate or misleading.

“Accumulated data does not necessarily mean true data. Human judgment is still required to analyse, question, and determine credibility.

“Journalism today is no longer just about reporting events. It is about analysing issues, finding the truth, and ensuring the public receives accurate and trustworthy information,” he said. — DayakDaily

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